1. Alzheimer’s Disease Medical University of Sofia, Faculty of Medicine
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Alzheimer’s Disease
Avi Gandhi (2009)

2. Medical University of Sofia, Faculty of Medicine
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

3. Background
It is the progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain.
It causes a steady loss of memory, speech, thinking, and carrying on daily activities.
As a person becomes older the risk for developing Alzheimer’s increases.
Annual cost can be over $50,000
Affects over 26.6 million people worldwide

4. Symptoms Memory loss confused about time and place
changes in personality and mood
trouble speaking and accomplishing tasks

5. 7 Stages No impairment very mild cognitive decline
moderate cognitive decline
moderately severe cognitive decline
severe cognitive decline
very severe cognitive decline

6. Anatomical Changes Neurofibrillary tangles loss of neuronal synapse
dead or dying nerve cells
formation of plaques

7. Treatment Acetylcholine esterase inhibiters Rivastigmine Galantamine
Donepezil
NMDA receptor antagonist
Memantine

8. Side Effects nausea vomiting loss of appetite headache confusion
constipation(memantin e)

9. Behavioral Drugs Antidepressants Peroxeine Fluxetine Anxiolytics
Lorazepam
Antipsychotic
Clozapine
Haloperidol

10. Clinical Trials
“Alzheimer’s in Long-Term Care-- Treatment for Agitation”
“Cognitive Behavioral Therapy of Early Dementia”
“Nefiracetam in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease”

11. Sources www.wikipedia.com Harrison’s Internal Medicine
Lippincott’s Illustrated Reviews Pharmacology
NextBio
Modern Pharmacology with Modern Clinical Applications