Cholinergic therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms in neurologic disorders
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2026

A Computerized Test Battery to Study Pharmacodynamic Effects on the Central Nervous System of Cholinergic Drugs in Early Phase Drug Development
Published on: February 11, 2019
1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Dementia Treatment Program, and University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer"s Disease Research Center, 4W ADRC, UPMC Montefiore, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Abstract:
Acetylcholine is a modulatory central nervous system (CNS) neurotransmitter involved in diverse brain processes. Historically, drugs that increase CNS cholinergic transmission have been investigated primarily for relieving cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer"s disease (AD). Emerging from these efforts are recent findings that several cholinesterase-inhibitor agents also have a beneficial effect on selected noncognitive symptoms in AD, such as apathy, psychosis, and purposeless motor behaviors. The broad psychotropic effects of cholinergic agents observed in AD and other degenerative conditions highlight potential symptom-based therapeutic indications for these drugs across a variety of neurologic disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Indirect-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
At the neuromuscular junction, these agents work by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, allowing it to remain bound to the receptor and bind to nearby receptors. This process leads to repetitive firing of the endplate, causing muscle...
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory Tract: Ipratropium, aclidinium, and tiotropium treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They protect against bronchoconstriction caused by irritants like cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. They also help reduce nasopharyngeal secretions in common...
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacological Actions
Direct-Acting Cholinergic Agonists: Pharmacokinetics