Drugs for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Question 1

What is the purpose of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

Answer 1

protects the CNS from toxic substances/pathogens

Question 2

When do adaptive changes occur?

Answer 2

Long-term use of CNS

Question 3

What occurs during adaptive changes?

Answer 3

decreased SE
tolerance (can eventually turn to dependence)

Question 4

How do you describe neurodegenerative diseases?

Answer 4

Heterogeneous, progressive degeneration of nervous system structures that alter CNS function.

Question 5

What neurotransmitters are involved in the basis of Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?

Answer 5

Dopamine
Acetylcholine

Question 6

What neurotransmitters in PD are lower or more than normal?

Answer 6

Dopamine is decreased
Acetylcholine is increased

Question 7

What does dopamine do?

Answer 7

Facilitates normal movement

Question 8

What are the symptoms of PD?

Answer 8

Tremors (at rest too)
Rigidity (forward leaning & decreased stability)
Akinesia/bradykinesia
Postural Disturbance
Dysphagia
Drooling
Loss of smell
Lack of facial expression
ED
Constipation
Sleep difficulties

Question 9

What happens eventually if someone with PD lives long enough?

Answer 9

Dementia (neurocognitive disorders)

Question 10

What are theories for the etiology of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)?

Answer 10

Overactive Acetylcholine
ddd
tau r-protein
exposure to metal ions

Question 11

What is the pathophysiology of AD?

Answer 11

Brain inflammation
amyloid beta plaques outside of brain cells
Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) inside of brain cells
Temporal & frontal lobe atrophy & neuron death

Question 12

Why are approved drugs relatively not considered very effective?

Answer 12

ONLY work in early stages, so do not work for long-term therapy
Significant SE (pt taken off if experience SE)