Dementia drugs

Question 1

How do Cholinesterase inhibitors work in the treatment of Alzheimer’s

Answer 1

• Levels of acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter important in learning and memory, are low in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s
• Cholinesterase inhibitors partially correct the deficit by blocking the action of acetylcholinesterase and there by increasing the amount of acetylcholine that remains in the synaptic cleft
• Cholinesterase inhibitors therfore increase ACh levels

Question 2

what are the side effects of Cholinesterase inhibitors

Answer 2

GI symptoms

Question 3

Give 3 examples of Cholinesterase inhibitor drugs

Answer 3

• Donepezil (Aricept),
• Galantamine (Razadyne/Reminyl)
• Rivastigmine (Exelon)

Question 4

How are partial NMDA receptor anatagonist drugs beneficial for dementia treatment?

Answer 4

• They are neuroprotective
• They reduce excitability
• They are very safe

Question 5

Give an example of an NMDA receptor anatagonist drug used to treat dementia

Answer 5

• Memantine (Ebixa)