1

Medications for Dementia

Student’s names

Institutional affiliation

Course code

Instructor

Date of submission
 2

Medications for Dementia

1. The test results indicate moderate dementia. Standardized tests show

that FAQ scores are 13 of 30. According to (Alzheimer’s Association,

2022), scores 13 to 20 indicate moderate dementia. Additionally, the

diagnosis of confirmed by GAD and MMSE tests that indicate the level

of glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies and mini-mental state

exam. These tests indicate moderate levels of dementia as indicated by

the Alzheimer’s Association (2022). However, the clock tests are used

to determine mental performance, which Mrs. Outcome scores 2 of 5

indicating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.

2. The difference between dementia and delirium is manifested in the

difference between cause and manifestation characteristics. Delirium is

commonly caused by drug toxicity or illness events. Delirium manifests

in the sudden and rapidly changing signs and symptoms that are short-

lived. However, dementia occurs due to anatomical changes in the brain

and takes significant amount of time to manifest. Unlike delirium,

dementia is irreversible and can only be controlled and managed to

prevent progression. Deliriums manifestation is often mistaken for

dementia. However, the biggest difference between these two

conditions is in the speed of symptom development as delirium is faster

but dementia is slow and regressive.

3. There are two common drug categories used to manage dementia.

These are N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA) and Cholinesterase

 3

Inhibitors (ChEIs). Examples of these NMDA drugs are

dextromethorphan and memantine. NMDAs work by inhibiting the

action of glutamate by binding to its site in the NMDA antagonist

receptors that facilitate the opening of the ion-channels. ChEIs work by

modifying moderate dementias symptoms. Examples of ChEIs are

galantine and donepezil that are used in the management of dementia at

its moderate levels. The acetylcholine plays the most significant role in

brain functioning. ChEIs work by inhibiting the breakdown of

acetylcholine hence facilitates the efficiency in neurotransmission that

is associated with memory (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

 4

References

Alzheimers Association, (2022). Medical tests for Diagnosing Alzheimers. Retrieved 8

July, 2022 from:

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/medical_tests#

Mayo Clinic (2022). Dementia. Retrieved 8 July 2023 from :

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/

drc-20352019