Neurological Patient

Question 1

What is the primary goal for Parkinson’s Disease medications?

Answer 1

To improve motor control and alleviate motor symptoms.

Question 2

What is Levodopa (L-dopa) used for in Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 2

It is the primary medication for managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms, particularly bradykinesia and rigidity.

Question 3

What is the role of Carbidopa in Parkinson’s Disease treatment?

Answer 3

Carbidopa inhibits the dopa decarboxylase enzyme outside of the CNS, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain before being converted to dopamine.

Question 4

What are the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse effects of Levodopa therapy?

Answer 4

GI problems (nausea and vomiting), cardiovascular problems (cardiac arrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension, syncope).

Question 5

What are the behavioral changes associated with Levodopa therapy?

Answer 5

Behavior changes, diminished response over time, psychotic symptoms, depression, anxiety, confusion, impulsiveness, and tolerance to the medication.

Question 6

What are the fluctuations in Levodopa responses?

Answer 6

• End-of-dose akinesia (effects wear off before the next dose)
• On-off phenomenon (sudden, spontaneous decreases in effects).

Question 7

What are dopamine agonists used for in Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 7

Dopamine agonists are used to provide steadier and more prolonged effects, especially when there are fluctuations or diminished responses to Levodopa.

Question 8

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

Answer 8

To limit acetylcholine transmission and reduce symptoms of tremors and rigidity.

Question 9

What is Amantadine used for in Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 9

An antiviral drug that reduces dyskinesias and other motor complications associated with Levodopa therapy.

Question 10

What is the role of Monoamine Oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors in Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 10

To inhibit the MAO-B enzyme, prolonging dopamine effects in the brain and alleviating motor symptoms.

Question 11

What are Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors used for in Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 11

To inhibit the COMT enzyme, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain and reducing fluctuations in response.

Question 12

What are the rehabilitation considerations for patients with Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 12

Plan therapy visits to peak effective treatment times, typically 1 hour after Levodopa dose, and monitor for orthostatic hypotension and freezing episodes.

Question 13

What are the characteristics and symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?

Answer 13

A progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, language deterioration, poor judgment, confusion, restlessness, and mood swings.

Question 14

What are amyloid plaques and their role in Alzheimer’s Disease?

Answer 14

Amyloid plaques accumulate in the brain, damaging neuron cell walls, causing inflammation, loss of synapses, and cell death.

Question 15

What are Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (AChEIs) used for in Alzheimer’s Disease?

Answer 15

To inhibit the enzyme that degrades acetylcholine, delaying or preventing symptoms from worsening.

Question 16

What is the role of NMDA antagonists in Alzheimer’s Disease?

Answer 16

To reduce excitotoxic neuronal injury and delay the progression of deficits in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s Disease.

Question 17

How do statins and antiamyloid strategies work in Alzheimer’s Disease?

Answer 17

Statins reduce cholesterol and atherosclerosis risk, potentially reducing amyloid accumulation, while antiamyloid strategies focus on reducing amyloid plaques.

Question 18

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and its common symptoms?

Answer 18

An inflammatory degenerative CNS disease characterized by fatigue, motor signs (spasticity), and periods of remission and relapsing-remitting symptoms.

Question 19

What are the drug therapies for MS?

Answer 19

Drugs for acute relapses (corticosteroids) and disease-modifying drugs (immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory effects).

Question 20

What is the role of Interferons in MS treatment?

Answer 20

Interferons have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, reducing lesion accumulation and relapse frequency.

Question 21

How does Glatiramer Acetate (GA) work in MS?

Answer 21

GA simulates myelin basic protein, acting as a ‘myelin decoy’ to reduce myelin degradation by blocking T-cells.

Question 22

What is Mitoxantrone used for in MS treatment?

Answer 22

An antineoplastic drug that suppresses T-cell activity, reducing myelin sheath degradation, with significant adverse effects including cardiotoxicity and liver dysfunction.

Question 23

What are the common symptoms of fatigue in MS and off-label uses for treatment?

Answer 23

Fatigue can reduce cognition, increase depression, and limit physical activity, with off-label uses of modafinil, amantadine, pemoline, and methylphenidate.

Question 24

Which medication might be used to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease?

Answer 24

Simvastatin, a statin medication that lowers LDL accumulation and reduces the risk of amyloid buildup.

Question 25

Which enzyme do Alzheimer’s Disease medications primarily target for inhibition?

Answer 25

Acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the brain.

Question 26

How do Glatiramer Acetate (GA) drugs work in managing MS symptoms?

Answer 26

GA acts as a myelin decoy, reducing myelin degradation by blocking T-cells.