Question

Debate the clear difference between medications for Parkinson’s versus medication for Alzheimer’s. Give ONE specific example for each disease.

Answer 1

Medications for Parkinson’s disease:

The reason for Parkinson’s disease has been identified as low concentrations of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine can nto be given directly, as it can not enter the brain like that.

The medication given for this condition is Carbidopa-levodopa, a chemical that passes inside the brain and get converted to Dopamine.

Carbidopa is combined with Levodoap, so that Levodopa will prevent early conversion of Carbidopa to Dopamine , outside the brain in the circulation. This also reduces nausea like side effects.

The medicine is effective in reducing the physical symptoms and help to manage problems of walking, movement and tremor.

As the disease progress, or after long term use of medication , the effect will be less useful. Also high doses of the medicine may cause dyskinesia.

Eg of the medicine is Sinemet (Carbidopa levodopa combination), Lodosyn

Medications for Alzheimers disease:

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

These medicines are used to manage the patient in early to moderate stages of Alzheimer’s. the medicine act by preventing the break down of Acetylcholine (Ach), neurotransmitter playing important role in learning and memory. The presence of more Ach promotes better communication among neurons and better brain activities.

The effectiveness of the medication vary according to the person. Usually the medicine helps to slow or delay the symptoms and are well tolerated by patients.

The side effects of the medicine include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and increased bowel movements.

Eg: Donepezil (Aricept)

Galantamine (Razadyne)

Rivastigmine (Exelon)