Final answer:
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. The major manifestations of the disease include progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, changes in mood and behavior. The prototype drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease is Aricept (donepezil), which is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing acetylcholine neurotransmission in the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. These hallmarks of the disease lead to the loss of synapses between neurons and ultimately the death of neurons. The major manifestations of Alzheimer's disease include progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, impairment in language and communication, and changes in mood and behavior.
The prototype drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease is Aricept (donepezil). It is a cholinesterase inhibitor that works by increasing acetylcholine neurotransmission in the brain. It is used to improve cognitive symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. However, it may cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia. Aricept is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to donepezil or other piperidine derivatives.