last updated 09-12-2024

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common dementing disorder. The pathophysiology remains unknown, although several features are associated with its presence. These include genetic factors, excessive NMDA stimulation, a reduction in choline acetyltransferase activity, the presence of amyloid-beta plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles and neuroinflammation.

 

These changes seem to start in the nucleus basalis of Meynert and progress through the cortex. This leads to a progressive, irreversible, neurodegenerative illness with cognitive loss, behavioural changes and a loss in independence being the major clinical symptoms. Treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

1

In Alzheimer’s disease, it is in the interest of the patient to ________ the effects of acetylcholine.

2

In Alzheimer’s disease, it is in the interest of the patient to __________ the glutamate activity at the NMDA receptor. 

3

Which of the following is NOT a criteria for dementia? 

4

Rivastigmine is an acetylcholine-esterase inhibitor and is used for the treatment of dementia. What is the primary effect of rivastigmine on the cholinergic transmission?