Neurodegenerative Diseases Flashcards
What is the primary neurotransmitter deficiency in Parkinson’s disease? .
Dopamine
What are the main classes of drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease?
Dopamine precursors
dopamine agonists
What is the role of levodopa in Parkinson’s disease treatment?
Levodopa is a dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain.
Why is carbidopa combined with levodopa?
Carbidopa inhibits peripheral breakdown of levodopa allowing more to reach the brain and reducing peripheral side effects.
What are common side effects of levodopa/carbidopa therapy?
Nausea orthostatic hypotension
Name two dopamine agonists used in Parkinson’s disease.
Pramipexole and ropinirole.
What is the mechanism of action of dopamine agonists like pramipexole and ropinirole?
They directly stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain.
What is the role of MAO-B inhibitors in Parkinson’s disease?
They inhibit the breakdown of dopamine by MAO-B increasing dopamine availability in the brain.
Name two MAO-B inhibitors used in Parkinson’s disease.
Selegiline and rasagiline.
What are common side effects of MAO-B inhibitors?
Insomnia nausea
What is the function of COMT inhibitors in Parkinson’s disease?
They prevent the breakdown of levodopa prolonging its effect.
Name two COMT inhibitors used in Parkinson’s disease.
Entacapone and tolcapone.
Why is tolcapone less commonly used than entacapone?
Tolcapone is associated with a risk of hepatotoxicity.
What are anticholinergic drugs used for in Parkinson’s disease?
They reduce tremors and rigidity by blocking acetylcholine receptors.
Name two anticholinergic drugs used in Parkinson’s disease.
Benztropine and trihexyphenidyl.
What is amantadine’s role in Parkinson’s disease?
Amantadine may help reduce dyskinesias and has mild anti-Parkinsonian effects.
What is the mechanism of action of amantadine?
It increases dopamine release inhibits dopamine reuptake
What is the primary neurotransmitter deficiency in Alzheimer’s disease? .
Acetylcholine
What are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used for in Alzheimer’s disease?
They increase acetylcholine levels by inhibiting its breakdown which may improve cognition.
Name three acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used in Alzheimer’s disease.
rivastigmine Donepezil