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Contents
  • Understanding Memantine
  • Combining Treatments
  • Memantine's Side Effects

Memantine: A New Hope for Advanced Alzheimer's?

Memantine: A New Hope for Advanced Alzheimer's?

The Big Picture

Dive into the benefits of memantine for advanced Alzheimer's disease and how it may offer a new approach to treatment.
Contents
  • Understanding Memantine
  • Combining Treatments
  • Memantine's Side Effects

Understanding Memantine

Memantine works as an NMDA receptor antagonist, helping to regulate glutamate activity in the brain. This is important because excessive glutamate can lead to brain cell damage. Memantine is thought to protect brain cells and improve symptoms in moderate to severe Alzheimer's cases.

Combining Treatments

Memantine is often used in combination with cholinesterase inhibitors for improved results. Studies show that this combination can lead to modest improvements in cognition and daily activities, especially in those with advanced Alzheimer's. However, it's important to consider patient-specific factors like drug tolerability and cost.
Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist used to regulate glutamate activity in the brain, offering potential benefits in the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.

Memantine's Side Effects

Memantine is generally well-tolerated, with dizziness being the most common side effect. Unlike some other treatments, it doesn't significantly increase the risk of confusion or hallucinations. This makes it a viable option for many patients with advanced Alzheimer's.

FAQs

What is memantine used for?

It's used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer's symptoms.

How does memantine work?

It regulates glutamate activity to protect brain cells.

Can memantine be combined with other drugs?

Yes, it's often used with cholinesterase inhibitors for better outcomes.

Are there side effects to memantine?

Dizziness is the most common side effect, but it's generally well-tolerated.

The Bottom Line

Memantine offers hope for those with advanced Alzheimer's, but personalized treatment is key.
Interested in how memantine might help you or a loved one? Discuss with Doctronic now!
Additional References
  1. Raina P, Santaguida P, Ismaila A, et al. Effectiveness of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine for treating dementia: evidence review for a clinical practice guideline. Ann Intern Med 2008; 148:379.
  2. Chen R, Chan PT, Chu H, et al. Treatment effects between monotherapy of donepezil versus combination with memantine for Alzheimer disease: A meta-analysis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183586.
  3. Tariot PN, Farlow MR, Grossberg GT, et al. Memantine treatment in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer disease already receiving donepezil: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2004; 291:317.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.