In senile dementia, which medication class is commonly used to slow progression by boosting acetylcholine?

In senile dementia, which medication class is commonly used to slow progression by boosting acetylcholine?

• A. Cholinesterase inhibitors
• B. Beta-blockers
• C. Antipsychotics
• D. Vitamin supplements

Answer: (A)

Boosting acetylcholine in senile dementia is achieved with cholinesterase inhibitors, a class used to slow cognitive decline by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain. In Alzheimer's-type dementia, cholinergic neurons are progressively lost, leading to reduced acetylcholine and impaired memory and thinking. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, these drugs prevent breakdown of acetylcholine, boosting its availability at synapses and modestly improving cognition and daily function in mild to moderate stages. Examples include drugs like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine. The other options don’t work this way: beta-blockers affect heart and blood pressure, antipsychotics treat behavioral symptoms but don’t slow disease progression, and vitamin supplements have not shown proven benefit in slowing senile dementia.

Boosting acetylcholine in senile dementia is achieved with cholinesterase inhibitors, a class used to slow cognitive decline by increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain. In Alzheimer's-type dementia, cholinergic neurons are progressively lost, leading to reduced acetylcholine and impaired memory and thinking. By inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, these drugs prevent breakdown of acetylcholine, boosting its availability at synapses and modestly improving cognition and daily function in mild to moderate stages. Examples include drugs like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine. The other options don’t work this way: beta-blockers affect heart and blood pressure, antipsychotics treat behavioral symptoms but don’t slow disease progression, and vitamin supplements have not shown proven benefit in slowing senile dementia.