alzheimer Flashcards
what is dementia ?
umbrella term for lost of memory and other thinking abilities severe enough to interrupt with daily life
what is definition of alzheimer ?
progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory , thinking skills and ability to perform simple task
what is pathophysiology of alzheimer?
(hallmarks) - abnormal protein buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles that disrupt neuronal function
(excitotoxicity) - overactivation of NMDA receptors by glutamate leads to cell death
- loss of cholinergic neurons reduces Ach , impairing synaptic communication and memory
- occur at hippocampus
what is early symptoms of alzheimer ?
- forget name and place
- difficult finding words
- inability to remember recent events
- forget appointment
what is later symptoms of alzheimer?
- difficult with language
- problem with planning and decision making
- confusion
- psychosis
- agitation and aggression
what is the risk factor of alzheimer?
non modified- ageing , genetics , caucasian ethnicity
modifiable - diabetes , hypertension, obesity
who can diagnose and what test to diagnose ?
- full assessment by neurologist and psychiatrist
test - mini mental state examination and clock drawing test - common in people above 65 years old
what complication that may occur ?
- memory loss
- confusion
- difficult swallowing
- infections
- dehydration
- falls
what non pharmacological treatments can be used ?
- cognitive behavioural therapy
- art therapy
- social and community support
lifestyle advice for alzheimer
- encouraged physical health
- social and community support
- falls prevention by install grab bars and remove loose wires
2 type of drug classification for alzheimer
- anticholinesterase
- NMDA receptor antagonists
explain the moa of anticholinesterase
inhibit cholinesterase enzyme and increasing Ach availability in synapse to improve alzheimer
explain moa of NMDA receptor antagonists
inhibit NMDA receptor , reducing glutamate , reducing excitotoxicity and neurons death
indication of anticholinesterase
use for mild to moderate alzheimer
indication for NMDA receptor antagonists
used for severe alzheimer or when anticholinesterase is contraindicated
example of anticholinesterase drug
- rivastigmine
- donepezil
- galantamine
example of NMDA receptor antagonists drug
- memantine
side effects for both drug
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
what is the goal of pharmacological treatment of alzheimer?
- to slow cognitive decline
- improve symptoms
- enhance quality of life
what if the patient forget to take the medication?
- use pill organizer
- alarms
- reminder apps
( to prevent misses dose )
what is contraindication in alzheimer medication.
- antipsychotic drug ( may increase risk of stroke and death)
- anticholinergic ( worsen the alzheimer diasease )
