Meds for Cognitive Disorders

Question 1

meds used in trt of alzheimers

Answer 1

cholinesterase inhibitor class

Question 2

ideal goal in treating alzheimers

Answer 2

improve symptoms

reverse cognitive decline

Question 3

what drugs to treat alzheimers really do

Answer 3

slow progression of disease

Question 4

cholinesterase inhibitors are indicated for

Answer 4

mild to moderate alzheimers disease

Question 5

the cholinesterase inhibitor used for all stages of alzheimers including mod to severe

Answer 5

aricept

Question 6

how do cholinesterase drugs work

Answer 6

prevent breakdown of acetylcholine

Question 7

why do we give cholinesterase drugs as soon as we assume alzheimers

Answer 7

once acetylcholine is depleted, drug isn’t effective

Question 8

s/e of cholinesterase

Answer 8

n/v/d
dizziness, headache
*broncho-chonstriction * caution w/asthma COPD

Question 9

how often do we take aricept

Answer 9

once a day

Question 10

if aricept is stopped suddenly what can happen

Answer 10

sudden cognitive decline

Question 11

*when would you stop aricept

Answer 11

when side effects become intolerable or not working

Question 12

cholinesterase inhibitor interactions

Answer 12

antihistamines - benadryl
antidepressants
anti-psychotics
*used in combination with these drugs reduces the effect of the cholinesterase inhibitors

Question 13

newest class of alzheimers drug

Answer 13

memantine (namenda)

Question 14

memantine MOA

Answer 14

regulates glutamate/calcium levels in the neuron

Question 15

memantine is only used for this stage of alzheimers

Answer 15

moderate to severe

Question 16

can memantine and aricept be used together

Answer 16

yes - sometimes more effective

Question 17

memantine is better tolerated than cholinesterase inhibitors, t or f

Answer 17

true

Question 18

if alzheimers pt also suffers from depression what class of med will be prescribed

Answer 18

SSRI’s

Question 19

what alternative trt’s were dis-proven in helping alzheimers

Answer 19

vit E
NSAIDS
ginko biloba
selegiline
estrogen plus progesterone
mental stimulation exercise