Chapter 26: Drug Therapy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases

Chapter 26: Drug Therapy for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

BASIC CONCEPTS

 

1. Which statement about Alzheimer’s disease is true?

a.	The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are known but not treatable.
b.	Physical deterioration occurs before intellectual deterioration.
c.	The onset of the disorder is sudden and dramatic.
d.	It is the most common form of dementia.

 

 

ANS:  D

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive and incurable condition that destroys brain cells, with gradual loss of intellectual abilities such as memory and extreme changes in personality and behavior. It is the most feared and common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   p. 416

 

2. How do cholinesterase/acetylcholinesterase inhibitors work for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease?

a.	Protecting the neurons from the changes that occur with Alzheimer’s disease.
b.	Blocking the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter at the neuron synapses.
c.	Blocking the amino acid glutamate at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the brain.
d.	Increasing the amount of white matter surrounding neurons to prevent the formation of “tangles.”

 

 

ANS:  B

Cholinesterase/acetylcholinesterase inhibitors reduce the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase that breaks down acetylcholine in the synapses of neurons. This action keeps levels of acetylcholine higher. These drugs are used for early to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s disease and their effects are temporary.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   p. 418

 

3. How does memantine (Namenda) work for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease?

a.	Protecting the neurons from the changes that occur with Alzheimer’s disease
b.	Blocking the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter at the neuron synapses
c.	Blocking the amino acid glutamate at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the brain
d.	Increasing the amount of white matter surrounding neurons to prevent the formation of “tangles”

 

 

ANS:  C

Memantine (Namenda) blocks the amino acid glutamate at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the brain, preventing overstimulation (overstimulation of these receptors damages neurons and appears to be one cause of Alzheimer’s disease). It can be effective in helping modify dementia (temporarily) in some patients with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   p. 418

 

4. Which problem is a common side effect of donepezil (Aricept) for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease?

a.	Weight gain
b.	Hypertension
c.	Constipation
d.	Nausea/vomiting

 

 

ANS:  D

The most common side effects of cholinesterase/acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, insomnia, and loss of appetite (anorexia).

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   p. 419

 

5. What problem is a possible adverse effect of memantine (Namenda) for Alzheimer’s disease?

a.	Seizures
b.	Tachycardia
c.	Severe hypertension
d.	Peripheral neuropathy

 

 

ANS:  A

Adverse effects of memantine include shortness of breath, seizures, and hallucinations.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering        REF:   p. 419