WGU: D027: Advanced Pathophar macologica l Foundations WGU: D027: Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations What is the difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in terms of symptoms and body impacts? - ANSWER-- Crohn's is inflammation and scarring in the intestine (bowel) disease lining of all of the digestive tract and worsens after eating - Ulcerative colitis is inflammation of the bowel/digestive tract and is only in the innermost lining of the large intestines (colon) and rectum What is the difference between Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)? - ANSWER-- Both caused by mutations on the FMR1 gene, but they are caused by different changes in this gene - FXS is caused by a full mutation - FXTAS is a premutation - FXS is present at birth, but display these features in early life - FXTAS develops in adulthood (usually after age 50) and the symptoms may appear slowly and develop over the years WGU: D027: Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations - FXTAS individuals are usually healthy with normal cognitive skills prior to the onset How is Alzheimer's treated? - ANSWER-- There is no cure, but there are pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments - Cholinesterase inhibitors - Memantine (namenda) What are cholinesterase inhibitors prescribed for? - ANSWER-- To treat symptoms related to memory, thinking, language, judgment, and other processes - Helps delay or slow the worsening of symptoms What does cholinesterase inhibitors do? - ANSWER-- Prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that is important for learning and memory - Supports communication among nerve cells by keeping the acetylcholine high WGU: D027: Advanced Pathopharmacological Foundations What are some commonly prescribed cholinesterase inhibitors? - ANSWER-- Donepezil (aricept) - Galantamine (razadyne) - Rivastigmine (exeleon) Which cholinesterase inhibitor can be used for all stages of Alzheimer's? - ANSWER-- Donepezil (aricept) Which cholinesterase inhibitor can be used for mild-tomoderate stages of Alzheimer's? - ANSWER-- Galantamine (razadyne) - Rivastigmine (exeleon) What medication combination is used to treat moderateto-severe Alzheimer's? - ANSWER-- Memantine (namenda) and donepezil (aricept) What is memantine (namenda) used for? - ANSWER-- Prescribed to improve memory, attention, reason, language, and the ability to perform simple tasks