Dementia Drugs

Question 0

General Alzheimer’s Drug MOA

Answer 0

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitition (AchE inhibitor). Generally delays symptomatology progression, but does not reverse.

Question 1

Basic Workup for Dementia

Answer 1

CBC, CMP, B12, Folic acid levels, Thyroid panel. May need CT, MRI, SPECT or PET to look for amyloid deposition.

Question 2

Donepezil (Aricept)

Answer 2

Centrally acting AchE inhibitor. Used for Alzheimer’s.

SFx - bradycardia, nausuea, diarrhea, anorexia, abdominal pain and vivid dreams.

Question 3

Rivastigmine (Exelon)

Answer 3

Centrally acting reversible AchE inhibitor. May be PO or transdermal patch

Question 4

Galantamine (Razadyne)

Answer 4

AChE inhibitor. Used for Alzheimer’s, especially early onset or rapidly progressive disease.

Question 5

AchE Inhibitor OD

Answer 5

Symptoms of N/V, salivation, sweating, bradycardia, hypotension, convulsions and circulatory collapse. Antidote: Atropine.

Question 6

Memantine (Nameda)

Answer 6

Antagonist of glutamine NMDA sites.
MAO - inhibits influx of Ca++ into neuron, increasing excitivity.
SFx - confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, HA, agitation, hallucination.