Neurocognitive Pharmacology

Donezepil-Aricept

Rivastigmine-Exelon

Galantamine-Razadyne

Memantine-Namenda

Selective AChE Inhibitor

General Information

AChE Inhibitor

Inhibits Acetilcolinesterasa

Acetilcolinesterasa breaks down ACh

By inhibiting AChE, there is more ACh in the system

This can result in a betterment of memory

Mostly effective at early Dx

Not very effective at later stages

Given at Initial, moderate and severe stages

In CNS and PNS

Do to interaction with PNS, will generate GI Sx

Tx: Varying types of dementia

-Alzheimer's

-Parkinson's

-Lewy bodies dementia

-Vascular dementia

S-E: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, fatigue, weight loss

Will usually last 1-3 weeks

AChE and BuChE inhibitor

BuChE inhibitor

Inhibits butyrylcholinesterase

butyrylcholinesterase breaks down butyrylcholine

butyrylcholine is very similiar to ACh

By inhibiting BuCHe in glial cells, there is more ACh in the system

This results in regulation of Dementia patients

Glial Cells: provides physical and metabolic support to neurons, including neuronal insulation and communication, and nutrient and waste transport.

Given in fast progression

Tx: Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's

S-E: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, indigestion, muscle weakness

Selective AChE Inhibitor

Given at Initial, moderate and severe stages

Function: Neurocogntiive and behavioral

Function: Neurobehavioral

Function: Slow down neuropsicological deterioration

Tx: Mild to Moderate Alzheimer's & Vascular dementia

S-E: Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, headache

Stimulates nicotinic receptors to release more acetylcholine in the brain

NMDA receptor antagonist

Given at moderate and severe stages, usually in cojunction with Donezepil

Function: Neurocognitive functions

Blocks the toxic effects associated with excess glutamate and regulates glutamate activation

Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine

Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain

Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and butyrylcholine (a brain chemical similar to acetylcholine) in the brain

Tx: Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease & sometimes Vascular dementia

S-E: Constipation, Dizziness, headache, diarrhea, confusion

Only given when there is loss of language and motor function