Alzheimer's Disease Flashcards
What’s the most common type of dementia?
Alzheimer’s dx
Which one of the tools used is NOT a diagnostic tool for AD? Whats it used for?
Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE)
Score < 24 indicates dementia or some type of memory disorder
When is a definitive diagnosis of the actual cause and type of made?
From an autopsy
List the sx of AD?
Memory loss
Difficulty communicating
Inability to leant or remember new info
Difficulty with planning and organizing
Poor coordination and motor functions
Personality changes
Inappropriate behavior
Paranoia, agitation, hallucination
Describe the pathophysiology of AD?
Neuritic plaques and tangles in brain tissue -> neuron signaling is interrupted
Alteration of neurotransmitters eg. Decreased Acetylcholine
List the drugs that can worsen dementia?
Peripheral anticholinergics (includi incontinence & IBS drugs)
Central anticholinergics (benztropine)
Antihistamines & antiemetics
Antipsychotics
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Skeletal muscle relaxants
Other CNS depressants
What’s the mainstay of AD tx?
Acetylcholinesterase inh eg. donepezil
How is Acetylcholinesterase inh eg. donepezil used in AD tx?
Alone OR with Memantine (for more advance dx)
What’s the key pearl of use of Acetylcholinesterase inh eg. donepezil?
Although pts may not improve clinically, they may have a slower clinical progression vs. if they were not on therapy
What should be monitored for when Acetylcholinesterase inh eg. donepezil is used?
Both improvement and SE
How does one combat the nausea associated with Acetylcholinesterase inh eg. donepezil?
Timing may be modified to QHS
What can be used to treat associated depression of AD?
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
What can be used to treat delusion/anger ass. with AD?
Antipsychotics
But they increase the risk of death in elderly pts (increased stroke) and provides little benefits
List the natural pdts used for dementia
Vit E
Ginkgo biloba
What’s the concern with the use of ginkgo biloba for AD?
Can INCREASE bleeding risk
What class of drugs should be avoided in AD pts?
Drugs with anticholinergic properties ( or the lowest, useful dose be used)
MOA of Acetylcholinesterase inh
Inhibits CENTRALLY-active acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for hydrolysis (breakdown) of ach -> increase ACh.
List drugs that are Acetylcholinesterase inh.
Donepezil (Aricept)
Rivastigmine (Exelon, Exelon patch)
Galantamine (Razadyne, Razadyne ER)
What’s the brand name for donepezil?
Aricept
What’s the dose for Donepezil (Aricept) for:
Mild-mod dx
Advanced dx
Mild-mod dx = 5-10mg QHS
Advanced dx = 23mg QHS
What med is often used in combo with donepezil (Aricept)?
Memantine