alzheimers

what brain regions are affected in AD

hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, temporal cortex

what are the pathological hallmarks of AD

amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles

inflammation in AD

microglial cells release inflammatory cytokines

acetlycholine deficiency in AD

responsible for cognitive function, from degeneration of cholinergic nuclei and basal nucleus of meynert

what enzyme should be inhibited to increase ACh for cognition

ACh esterase

blocking what receptors decreases neurotoxic excess glutamate

NMDA

what drugs cause MOA related cognitive impairment

anticholinergics, antihypertensives, hypoglycemics, opiods, sedatives, steroids, NSAIDs

what 2ndary vitamin deficiency causes cognitive impairment

b12, folic acid (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, methotrexate, metformin)

cholinesterase inhibitor examples

donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine

cholinesterase counseling points

take with food, ADR-n/v, diarrhea, weight loss, insomnia

NMDA antagonist example

memantine

NMDA antagonists are used in __ AD, and are __with ChEi

moderate to severe, adjunct

what behavior disturbances are responsive to meds

psychosis, agitation, depression/anxiety, insomnia

which behavioral symptoms are nonresponsive to meds

wandering, aggression, sexual behavior, hoarding, verbalizations/movements