1. Drugs for Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System
Chapter 20

2. Parkinson’s Disease Progressive loss of dopamine
Tremor, muscle rigidity
Abnormal movement and posture
Symptoms known as parkinsonism
Tremors
Muscle rigidity
Bradykinesia
Postural instability
Affective flattening

3. Health Problems in Parkinsons’ Patients
Primarily affects muscle movement
Patients often experience other health issues
Anxiety, depression
Sleep disturbances
Dementia
Autonomic nervous system disturbances

4. Parkinson's Gait before and after L-Dopa

6. Levodopa (Larodopa) Antiparkinson Agent; Dopaminergic Agent
Mechanism of action: restores dopamine within nerve terminals
Primary use: to restore dopamine function or stimulate dopamine receptors within the brain

7. Benztropine Mesylate (Cogentin)
Antiparkinson Agent; Anticholinergic Agents
Mechanism of action: block acetylcholine; inhibit over activity in brain
Primary use: in early stages of disease

8. Alzheimer’s Disease Most common degenerative disease of CNS
Progressive loss of brain function
Memory loss, confusion, dementia
Cause unknown
Possible causes
Genetic defects
Chronic inflammation
Excess free radicals
Environmental factors

9. Protein fragments in brain (normally broken down and excreted)
Twisted protein threads inside nerve cell. Tubules that transport nutrients and other important substances from one part of the nerve cell to another
Plaque start to develop first in area of brain used for memory and cognitive functioning

10. Alzheimer’s Disease Structural Damage in Brain: Symptoms: Consists of
Amyloid plaques
Neurofibrillary tangles
Loss of connection between neurons
Structural changes cause loss of neuron number and function
Impaired memory and judgment
Confusion and disorientation
Inability to recognize family and friends
Aggressive behavior
Depression
Psychoses, including paranoia and delusions
Anxiety

11. Donepezil Hydrochloride (Aricept)
Alzheimer’s Disease Agent; Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibitors
Mechanism of action: to prevent breakdown of acetylcholine; enhance transmission in neurons
Primary use: slow progression of the disease

12. Drugs for Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System
Goals
Increased ease of movement
Decrease in symptoms
Understanding of drug regimen/disease
Adherence to drug regimen
Reporting of side effects