Unit 7: CNS Drugs.Dementia

Question 1

Dementia is caused by the decrease in neuronal activity of which neurotransmitters in the brain?

Answer 1

glutamate
dopamine
norepinephrine
serotonin
somatostatin

Question 2

What is the goal in dementia treatment?

Answer 2

increase acetylcholine by inhibiting its breakdown

Question 3

What are the drug classes used to treat dementia?

Answer 3

cholinesterase inhibitors

NMDA receptor antagonists

Question 4

What class of drugs binds to acetylcholinesterase to inactivate it and therefore increase acetylcholine?

Answer 4

cholinesterase inhibitors

Question 5

name 4 cholinesterase inhibitors

Answer 5

donepezil
galantamine
rivastigmine
tacrine

Question 6

Which is the most widely used cholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of dementia?

Answer 6

donepezil

Question 7

How do the NMDA antagonists work?

Answer 7

NMDA receptors receive glutamate; if we bind to the receptors, we increase available glutamate

Question 8

With what cognitive functions are glutamate receptors involved?

Answer 8

learning and memory

Question 9

adverse effects of NMDA antagonists

Answer 9

confusion
dizziness
headache
sedation
agitation
falls

Question 10

name an NMDA antagonist

Answer 10

memantine

Question 11

target dose of memantine

Answer 11

10mg BID

Question 12

What is important to remember about dosing with memantine?

Answer 12

start slow