Alzheimer's Disease

Question 1

what test is used to identify dementia

Answer 1

mini-mental state exam (MMSE)

Question 2

what MMSE score indicates a memory disorder

Answer 2

< 24

Question 3

Drugs that can worsen dementia

Answer 3

antihistamines
antiemetics
antipsychotics
barbiturates
BZD
central anticholinergics
peripheral anticholinergics
skeletal muscle relaxants
CNS depressants

Question 4

Main treatment for dementia is what class of drugs

Answer 4

acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Question 5

MOA of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Answer 5

inhibit centrally-acting acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for hydrolysis (breakdown) of acetylcholine thus increasing aCH

Question 6

List acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Answer 6

donepezil
rivastigmine
galantamine

Question 7

Warnings and SE of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Answer 7

bradycardia
insomnia
nausea

Question 8

when is donepezil dosed?

Answer 8

at night to help decrease nausea

Question 9

What is the generic of Namzaric

Answer 9

donepezil + memantine

Question 10

at what dose of donepezil can a patient switch to namzaric

Answer 10

once stable on 10 mg

Question 11

Memantine MOA

Answer 11

blocks NMDA which inhibits glutamate ( an excitatory neurotransmitter) from binding and decreasing abnormal neuron activation

Question 12

Major DDI with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Answer 12

caution with other drugs that cause lower heart rate