Week 5: T3(3): Memory sparing medications Flashcards
What is acetylcholine role?
Used in treating dementia.
Dysfunction of acetylcholinergic system plays a role in Alzheimer’s and psychosis.
What are memory sparing medications are?
Medications that are primarily used in dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s dementia.
How do memory-sparing medications work?
One way is stopping breakdown of acetylcholine within the synapse.
What are AChEIs?
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. They don’t increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain, they don’t bind with the postsynaptic receptor (in research), but they do inhibit the breakdown of the existing acetylcholine.
Why do medications have side effects?
- Large molecules, medications bind not only with the target system, such as the acetylcholinergic system, histminergic system or adrenergic system.
- Medications sometimes affect other organs in the body such as the heath, liver, kidneys.
What are acetylcholine side effects?
Anticholinergic effects: dysfunction of attention and memory.
ACh pathways exist throughout the body.
Anticholinergics can block receptors in the peripheral nervous system
This includes neurons that innervate mucous membranes (e.g. the GI tract, eyes, mouth) resulting in dry mouth, tacky eyes and constipation.
What is the histaminic system function?
The histamine system in the brain is involved in several physiological processes, including immune responses and the sleep-wake cycle.s
How do some medication affect the histamine system?
Antihistamine medications block the histamine system unintentionally. Ex. they tend to block the receptor H1 which is involved in keeping people alert and awake.
How do medication affect the adrenergic system?
Some medications have antiadrenergic effects, i.e., they block functions around the body, adrenaline’s functions including stimulating the heart.. This results in low blood pressure, hypotension, and slowed heart rate or bradycardia resulting in people feeling dizzy.
