Neuropharmacology of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Abstract

con-Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia and sixth-leading cause of death in the US. Medication in the management of this disease can bring better symptomatic control and increase the quality of life. There are a variety of medications targeting different receptors in the brain in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. It is crucial for physicians to understand the neuropharmacology of therapeutic Alzheimer’s disease medications. Some of the neurotransmitters involved in memory processing, synaptic transmission, neuronal growth and differentiation, excitatory/inhibitory balance, concentration, the motor control includes; Acetylcholine (Ach), Glutamate, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Histamine, Serotonin/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and Dopamine respectively. Our editorial briefly explains the mechanism of action of drugs linked to the neurophysiology of Alzheimer disease.