Alzheimers Disease Flashcards
Usually live how long after diagnosis of Alzheimer’s
5-10 years
____% of all dementia patients is probably Alzheimer’s
70%
What do drugs for Alzheimer’s do
- slow memory loss and progressive symptoms
- treat associated symptoms
Purpose of Alzheimer’s drugs
Not to cure; to treat symptoms and slow progression
Two main classes of Alzheimer’s drugs
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Glutamatergic inhibitors
We want to chill acetylcholine in Parkinson’s; however, we want to _______ acetylcholine in Alzheimer’s
Excite
Side effects of Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Enhanced parasympathetic symptoms ; N/V/D
1st line drug used in Alzheimer’s now
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride)
When are Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors ineffective? Effective?
Ineffective in late stages probably because so many neurons have died
Only works in early stages
What do Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors do
- addresses cholinergic defect in the brain
- intensifies the effect of acetylcholine at receptors
What do Glutamatergic inhibitors do
Reduce abnormally high amounts of glutamate in the brain
What does Glutamate cause
Causes calcium to enter neurons, producing an excitatory effect
What may to much Glutamate in the brain be responsible for
Brain cell death
Namenda (memantine)
Glutamatergic inhibitors
Side effects of Glutamatergic Inhibitors
Dizziness, confusion, headache, hypertension, cough
