IC17 AD Flashcards
What are the DSM-5 criteria for Major Neurocognitive Disorder (Dementia)?
1) SIGNIFICANT cognitive decline from prior level of performance in one or more cognitive domains: either by observants eg. family members, or documented by standardized neurophysiological testing.
2) The cognitive deficits interfere with independence in everyday activities.
3) The cognitive deficits do not occur exclusively in the context of delirium.
4) The cognitive deficits are not better explained by another mental disorder.
What are the DSM-5 criteria for Minor Neurocognitive Disorder (Dementia)?
1) MODEST cognitive decline from prior level of performance in one or more cognitive domains: either by observants eg. family members, or documented by standardized neurophysiological testing.
2) The cognitive deficits interfere with independence in everyday activities.
3) The cognitive deficits do not occur exclusively in the context of delirium.
4) The cognitive deficits are not better explained by another mental disorder.
What are other manifestations of dementia in earlier stage?
1) Psychological: apathy, depressive symptoms
2) Behavioral: withdrawal from social engagement, disinhibition
3) Sleep: REM behavior disorder
4) Physical: gait impairment
What are other manifestations of dementia in later stage?
1) Psychological: delusions, anosognosia (lack of insight to cognitive problems)
2) Behavioral: aggression, hallucinations, wandering
3) Sleep: altered sleep-wake cycle
4) Physical: repetitive purposeless movements, Parkinsonism, seizures
What are the non-modifiable risk factors for dementia?
Age (>65 yo), Female, Race (Black, Hispanic), Genetics (homozygous APOE4 gene)
What are the modifiable risk factors for dementia?
Comorbidities: HTN, DM, depression, hearing loss
Lifestyle: smoking, binge drinking, sedentary lifestyle, obesity
What is the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s Disease?
1) Brain atrophy in the neocortex and hippocampus area
2) Senile plaques: beta-amyloid aggregrates
3) Neurofibrillary tangles: hyperphosphorylated tau protein
4) Neurodegeneration: may be related to increased glutamate that causes neuronal death
What are the two class of drugs used for AD tx? List out all drugs in those classes.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonist
AI: donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine
NMDA RA: memantine
What are the drugs that are usually used in mild to moderate AD?
Rivastigmine, galantamine, donepezil
What are the drugs usually used in moderate to severe AD?
Donepezil and memantine (monotx or in combination)
What is the general principle of usage of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors?
- Slowly titrate dosing over 4 to 8 weeks to reach target dose and minimize side effects
- If adverse effects encountered, lower dosage temporarily before re-escalating more slowly OR discontinue and try another drug from the same class
What are the monitoring parameters for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors?
Efficacy:
- Improvement in day-to-day life by caregiver
- Routine cognitive tests eg. MoCA
Safety:
- Adverse events
What are the side effects associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors?
Nausea/vomiting, increased frequency of bowel movements, vivid dreams, insomnia
What are some cautions and contraindications with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors?
Caution in patients with PUD, respiratory disease, seizure, and urinary tract obstruction
Contraindicated (relative) in patients with bradycardia
What are some side effects associated with memantine?
Constipation, confusion, dizziness, headache