The mode of action of drugs such as such as donepezil, rivastigmine, or galantamine, which are used to treat patients with dementia, is to _______ activity in the brain.
A) inhibit AChE
B) promote AChE
C) inhibit VAChT
D) promote VAChT

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The drugs donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine all work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). By inhibiting AChE, these drugs increase the availability of ACh in the brain, which can improve cognitive function in patients with dementia. Therefore, Choice A is the correct answer. Choices B and D are incorrect because promoting AChE or VAChT activity would actually decrease the amount of ACh in the brain, which would be counterproductive in treating dementia. Choice C is also incorrect because inhibiting VAChT would prevent the release of ACh from neurons, which would not be helpful in treating dementia.

The Mode of Action of Drugs Such as Such as Donepezil