Neurocognitive Pharmacology

Flowchart nodes

• 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