Neurodegenerative Diseases Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary neurotransmitter deficiency in Parkinson’s disease? .

A

Dopamine

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2
Q

What are the main classes of drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease?

A

Dopamine precursors
dopamine agonists

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3
Q

What is the role of levodopa in Parkinson’s disease treatment?

A

Levodopa is a dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain.

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4
Q

Why is carbidopa combined with levodopa?

A

Carbidopa inhibits peripheral breakdown of levodopa allowing more to reach the brain and reducing peripheral side effects.

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5
Q

What are common side effects of levodopa/carbidopa therapy?

A

Nausea orthostatic hypotension

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6
Q

Name two dopamine agonists used in Parkinson’s disease.

A

Pramipexole and ropinirole.

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7
Q

What is the mechanism of action of dopamine agonists like pramipexole and ropinirole?

A

They directly stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain.

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8
Q

What is the role of MAO-B inhibitors in Parkinson’s disease?

A

They inhibit the breakdown of dopamine by MAO-B increasing dopamine availability in the brain.

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9
Q

Name two MAO-B inhibitors used in Parkinson’s disease.

A

Selegiline and rasagiline.

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10
Q

What are common side effects of MAO-B inhibitors?

A

Insomnia nausea

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11
Q

What is the function of COMT inhibitors in Parkinson’s disease?

A

They prevent the breakdown of levodopa prolonging its effect.

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12
Q

Name two COMT inhibitors used in Parkinson’s disease.

A

Entacapone and tolcapone.

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13
Q

Why is tolcapone less commonly used than entacapone?

A

Tolcapone is associated with a risk of hepatotoxicity.

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14
Q

What are anticholinergic drugs used for in Parkinson’s disease?

A

They reduce tremors and rigidity by blocking acetylcholine receptors.

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15
Q

Name two anticholinergic drugs used in Parkinson’s disease.

A

Benztropine and trihexyphenidyl.

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16
Q

What is amantadine’s role in Parkinson’s disease?

A

Amantadine may help reduce dyskinesias and has mild anti-Parkinsonian effects.

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17
Q

What is the mechanism of action of amantadine?

A

It increases dopamine release inhibits dopamine reuptake

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18
Q

What is the primary neurotransmitter deficiency in Alzheimer’s disease? .

A

Acetylcholine

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19
Q

What are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used for in Alzheimer’s disease?

A

They increase acetylcholine levels by inhibiting its breakdown which may improve cognition.

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20
Q

Name three acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used in Alzheimer’s disease.

A

rivastigmine Donepezil

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21
Q

What are common side effects of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors?

A

Nausea diarrhea

22
Q

What is the mechanism of action of memantine in Alzheimer’s disease?

A

Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that reduces excitotoxicity associated with glutamate.

23
Q

What are common side effects of memantine?

A

headache Dizziness

24
Q

What is the primary goal of multiple sclerosis (MS) drug therapy?

A

To reduce the frequency and severity of relapses and slow disease progression.

25
Q

What is the mechanism of action of interferon-beta in MS?

A

Interferon-beta modulates immune response reducing inflammation and immune cell activity in the CNS.

26
Q

What are common side effects of interferon-beta therapy?

A

Flu-like symptoms injection site reactions

27
Q

What is glatiramer acetate and how does it work in MS?

A

Glatiramer acetate is an immune modulator that mimics myelin

28
Q

What are monoclonal antibodies used for in MS and name one example.

A

They target immune cells to reduce disease activity; example: natalizumab.

29
Q

What is a major risk associated with natalizumab therapy in MS?

A

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) a rare but serious brain infection.

30
Q

What are two oral agents commonly used in MS?

A

Fingolimod and dimethyl fumarate.

31
Q

How does fingolimod work in MS?

A

It traps immune cells in lymph nodes reducing their migration to the CNS.

32
Q

What are common side effects of fingolimod?

A

Bradycardia increased risk of infections

33
Q

What is riluzole and what is its role in ALS?

A

Riluzole is a glutamate inhibitor used to slow progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

34
Q

What is edaravone and what is its role in ALS?

A

Edaravone is an antioxidant that may slow disease progression in ALS.

35
Q

What is the primary cause of Huntington’s disease?

A

A genetic mutation leading to a CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the HTT gene on chromosome 4.

36
Q

What neurotransmitter imbalance is associated with Huntington’s disease?

A

Decreased levels of GABA and acetylcholine, with increased dopamine activity.

37
Q

What are the main drug classes used to manage symptoms of Huntington’s disease?

A

Dopamine depleters, antipsychotics, and antidepressants.

38
Q

What is the role of dopamine depleters in Huntington’s disease?

A

They help reduce chorea by decreasing dopamine levels in the brain.

39
Q

Name two dopamine-depleting agents used in Huntington’s disease.

A

Tetrabenazine and deutetrabenazine.

40
Q

How do tetrabenazine and deutetrabenazine work?

A

They inhibit VMAT2 (vesicular monoamine transporter 2), reducing dopamine release in the brain.

41
Q

What are common side effects of tetrabenazine and deutetrabenazine?

A

Sedation, depression, anxiety, and risk of suicidal ideation.

42
Q

Why might deutetrabenazine be preferred over tetrabenazine?

A

Deutetrabenazine has a longer half-life and may cause fewer side effects.

43
Q

What type of drugs are used for psychiatric symptoms in Huntington’s disease?

A

Antipsychotics and antidepressants.

44
Q

What is the role of antipsychotics in Huntington’s disease?

A

They help manage symptoms like chorea, agitation, and psychosis.

45
Q

Name two antipsychotics commonly used in Huntington’s disease.

A

Risperidone and olanzapine.

46
Q

What are common side effects of antipsychotics in Huntington’s disease?

A

Weight gain, sedation, metabolic syndrome, and extrapyramidal symptoms.

47
Q

What is the role of SSRIs in Huntington’s disease treatment?

A

SSRIs help manage depression and anxiety, which are common in Huntington’s disease.

48
Q

Name two SSRIs used in Huntington’s disease.

A

Sertraline and fluoxetine.

49
Q

What role does physical and occupational therapy play in Huntington’s disease?

A

They help maintain mobility, manage motor symptoms, and improve quality of life.

50
Q

What is the genetic basis of Huntington’s disease?

A

A CAG repeat expansion in the HTT gene, with longer repeats associated with earlier onset.

51
Q

What experimental approaches are being studied for Huntington’s disease?

A

Gene silencing, RNA interference, and antisense oligonucleotides targeting the mutant HTT gene.

52
Q

What is the role of genetic counseling in Huntington’s disease?

A

To provide information on genetic risks, inheritance patterns, and implications for family planning.