Memantine is classified as what type of agent used in Alzheimer's disease?

Memantine is classified as what type of agent used in Alzheimer's disease?

• A. NMDA receptor antagonist
• B. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
• C. Dopamine agonist
• D. SSRI

Answer: (A)

Memantine works by dampening excitatory glutamatergic activity in the brain. In Alzheimer’s disease, excessive glutamate can overactivate NMDA receptors, causing calcium influx that leads to neuronal injury and death. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that binds to the receptor channel in a way that blocks this excessive activity without completely shutting down normal neurotransmission. Its mechanism helps reduce excitotoxic damage and can stabilize or modestly improve function in moderate to severe disease, and it can be used with cholinesterase inhibitors. Other options don’t fit: acetylcholinesterase inhibitors boost acetylcholine to help cholinergic signaling and are typically used in earlier stages; dopamine agonists target movement disorders; SSRIs are antidepressants.

Memantine works by dampening excitatory glutamatergic activity in the brain. In Alzheimer’s disease, excessive glutamate can overactivate NMDA receptors, causing calcium influx that leads to neuronal injury and death. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that binds to the receptor channel in a way that blocks this excessive activity without completely shutting down normal neurotransmission. Its mechanism helps reduce excitotoxic damage and can stabilize or modestly improve function in moderate to severe disease, and it can be used with cholinesterase inhibitors. Other options don’t fit: acetylcholinesterase inhibitors boost acetylcholine to help cholinergic signaling and are typically used in earlier stages; dopamine agonists target movement disorders; SSRIs are antidepressants.