Question

question 14
1 pts
scenario: a patient with vascular dementia is started on memantine.
question: what is the primary mechanism of action of memantine?
○ nmda receptor antagonist.
○ cholinesterase inhibitor.
○ dopamine receptor agonist.
○ serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Explanation:

Memantine is known to act as an NMDA (N - methyl - D - aspartate) receptor antagonist. It works by regulating the activity of glutamate at the NMDA receptors, which is important in the context of neurodegenerative conditions like vascular dementia. Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) work on acetylcholinesterase, dopamine receptor agonists are for dopamine - related pathways (e.g., in Parkinson's), and serotonin reuptake inhibitors are for serotonin (e.g., antidepressants). So the primary mechanism of memantine is being an NMDA receptor antagonist.

Answer:

A. NMDA receptor antagonist.