Dementia Meds

Question 1

donepezil

Answer 1

reversible Ach esterase inhibitor–> increase Ach in CNS

use in Alzheimer’s

side effects: altered cardiac conduction, N, V, D, abrupt d/c causes change in mood and hallucinations, caution with worsening peptic ulcer, asthma, COPD, bladder outflow obstruction

Question 2

What is a reversible AChE inhibitor for dementia as a transdermal patch?

Answer 2

rivastigmine

Question 3

memantine

Answer 3

NMDA receptor antagonist

dampens rapidly firing neurons (excessive glutamate nerve activity–>Alz progression)

combo with ACh esterase inhibitor or monotherapy

side effects: confusion, dizziness, headache, severe skin hypersensitivity, avoid abrupt d/c d/t AMS and neuro sx