Final answer:
Rosa is being treated with a cholinesterase inhibitor for mild Alzheimer's disease (AD), which increases acetylcholine levels in the brain to enhance neuronal communication and possibly slow disease progression. Rasagiline (Azilect), while not the drug Rosa is taking, is used primarily for Parkinson's disease treatment and works by inhibiting MAO-B to increase dopamine levels. Correct management and treatment can improve the patient's cognitive function and quality of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rasagiline (Azilect) is not specifically mentioned in the context of Rosa's treatment. However, it's worth noting that Rasagiline is a medication that is usually used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and it works by inhibiting monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B), an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain. However, the medication described in Rosa's case seems to be a cholinesterase inhibitor, which is quite different. Cholinesterase inhibitors are commonly prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Rosa's condition has been managed using a cholinesterase inhibitor, highlighting the focus on enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain.
Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine, function by blocking the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme normally degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. By preventing the degradation of acetylcholine, these drugs increase the levels of the neurotransmitter available for binding to post-synaptic receptors. This enhanced cholinergic function can help compensate for the loss of functioning neurons in Alzheimer's disease, enabling an improvement in cognitive function and a potential delay in the progression of the disease's symptoms.
Rosa's treatment is aimed at managing her symptoms and maintaining her cognitive function as much as possible. By using a medication that acts as an agonist for acetylcholine, there is more of the neurotransmitter available to facilitate communication between neurons. This potentially helps in restoring some of the functions that may be lost in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and could slow down the disease's progression. It's important to have a proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan for Alzheimer's disease, as it can significantly influence the patient's quality of life.