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
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily caused by the progressive loss of __________________________ in the substantia nigra pars compacta, a region of the brain that is critical for motor control.
dopamine-producing neurons
is associated with low dopamine levels or impaired dopamine signaling in key brain regions
Parkinson’s disease
The most effective and widely used ADHD medications are _______________, which increase dopamine and norepinephrine availability.
stimulants
are a class of drugs that enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Benzodiazepines
are both monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitors, primarily used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Selegiline and Rasagiline
They work by inhibiting the MAO-B enzyme, which is responsible for the breakdown of dopamine in the brain, thus increasing dopamine availability and improving symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Selegiline and Rasagiline
selectively inhibits MAO-B, which breaks down dopamine in the brain, particularly in areas like the striatum
Selegiline
increases the amount of available dopamine in the brain, improving motor function in Parkinson’s disease patients.
Selegiline
is a more potent and selective MAO-B inhibitor compared to selegiline
Rasagiline
increases the availability of dopamine in the brain, particularly in the basal ganglia, thus improving motor control in Parkinson’s disease patients.
Rasagiline
binds to and inhibits MAO-B, preventing the breakdown of dopamine in the brain
Selegiline
refers to the adverse effects resulting from excessive levels of digitalis glycosides (commonly digoxin) in the body.
digitalis toxicity
