Alzheimer's meds

Question 1

What is the biggest controversy regarding drugs to treat alzheimer’s dementia?

Answer 1

Studies that support use of these medications generally find subtle benefit and primarily work to slow disease progression and to primarily tx cognitive/behavioral symptoms

Question 2

What are the acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used to treat Alzheimer’s Dementia (increases acetylcholine?

Answer 2

• Donepezil (Aricept) => for severe AD
• Galantamine (Reminyl)
• Rivastigmine
• Tacrine (Cognex) - rarely used due to liver toxicity

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of Memantine/Namenda?

Answer 3

• Complex activity via NMDA (glutamate mediated) receptor antagonism as glutamate mediated overactivation of NMDA receptors may cause neuronal death in AD
  
  • Moderate to severe Alzheimer’s