Pharm of Dementia

Question 1

what is the most common cause of dementia?

Answer 1

Alzheimers

Question 2

what are the signs of dementia?

Answer 2

memory loss
difficulty performing familiar tasks
problems with language
disorientation to place or time
poor or decreased judgment
mood swings
personality changes
loss of initiate

Question 3

what drug classes can be used to treat dementia?

Answer 3

AChE inhibitors

NMDA receptor antagonists

Question 4

what are the AChE inhibitors used to treat dementia?

Answer 4

donepezil
rivastigmine
galantamine

Question 5

you want to prescribe your dementia patient with an AChE inhibitor but they cannot swallow pills, what do you prescribe them?

Answer 5

rivastigmine –> transdermal patch option

Question 6

what are the adverse reactions of AChE inhibitors?

Answer 6

altered cardiac conduction

weight loss secondary to N/V/D

Question 7

what can happen if you suddenly stop an AChEi?

Answer 7

rapid change in mood

Question 8

what is the MOA of memantine?

Answer 8

glutamate NMDA receptor antagonist that binds to the Mg+ block site

Question 9

what can be used for the treatment of psychiatric symptoms of dementia?

Answer 9

SSRIs