Pointers Flashcards
A dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted into dopamine in the brain.
Levodopa
peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor
carbidopa
It prevents the premature conversion of levodopa into dopamine outside the brain, which reduces side effects like nausea and allows more levodopa to reach the brain.
carbidopa
ensures more levodopa reaches the brain and minimizes peripheral side effects by inhibiting the enzyme dopa-decarboxylase in the periphery.
carbidopa
is a medication primarily used to treat symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease dementia
rivastigmine
inhibits acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, enzymes that break down acetylcholine
rivastigmine
These medications prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical for memory and learning. They are typically used for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
All stages of Alzheimer’s disease
Donepezil
Inhibits acetylcholine breakdown, increasing its levels in the synapse.
Donepezil
Inhibits acetylcholine breakdown; acts on both enzymes for broader effects.
Rivastigmine
Mild to moderate Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease dementia
Rivastigmine
Inhibits acetylcholine breakdown and enhances receptor sensitivity to acetylcholine.
Galantamine
Dysfunction of ____________ has been implicated in several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, stroke, and schizophrenia.
NMDA receptors
Blocks NMDA receptor channels only when excessively activated, preventing overactivation by glutamate
Memantine (Namenda)
is characterized by a significant decline in acetylcholine levels due to the progressive loss of cholinergic neurons in the brain, particularly in the basal forebrain. This neurotransmitter deficit contributes to the cognitive and behavioral symptoms observed in the disease.
Alzheimer’s disease