Pharmacotherapy of Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System

This set of flashcards covers key terminology and concepts related to the pharmacotherapy of degenerative diseases of the nervous system, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Acetylcholinesterase

An enzyme that degrades acetylcholine (ACh) in the synapse.

Dopaminergic drugs

Medications that restore the function of dopamine and stimulate dopamine receptors, primarily used for treating Parkinson's disease.

Anticholinergic drugs

Medications that inhibit the action of acetylcholine in the brain, useful in early stages of Parkinson's disease.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

A progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline due to structural changes in the brain, including amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system, leading to demyelination of neurons.

Bradykinesia

Difficulty in initiating movements or slowed movements, commonly seen in Parkinson's disease.

Amyloid plaques

Abnormal clusters of protein fragments that accumulate between nerve cells, associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Neurofibrillary tangles

Twisted fibers of protein inside brain cells, contributing to neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)

Severe adverse reactions including tremors and rigidity experienced by patients taking dopamine-blocking medications.

Levodopa (L-Dopa)

A dopamine precursor used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, stimulating dopamine receptors.

Cholinesterase inhibitors

Drugs that reduce the breakdown of acetylcholine, increasing its availability to improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Executive function

The ability to plan, manage impulses, and control emotions; often diminished in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Autonomic nervous system

The part of the nervous system responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions; affected by anticholinergic drugs.

Myelin sheath

A protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers, which is damaged in multiple sclerosis.

Parkinson's disease

A neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine, leading to motor control issues and other symptoms.

Neurodegeneration

The progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, leading to diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Symptomatic control

Management of symptoms to improve quality of life without curing the underlying disease.

Aphasia

A communication disorder that affects a person's ability to process language; a common symptom in Alzheimer's.

Apraxia

The inability to perform motor functions although the desire and understanding are intact.

Agnosia

The inability to recognize and identify objects or persons despite having intact sensory functions.