Efficacy and Safety of Memantine in Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease

Memantine is a moderate affinity, uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that memantine can decrease the neuronal toxicity associated with excessive glutamate release and calcium overload in neurons. Results from clinical trials in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's Disease (AD) have demonstrated memantine's efficacy and safety by showing positive treatment effects on cognitive, global and functional decline. This 24-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study examines the effect of memantine 20 mg, administered once daily, on cognitive and behavioural symptoms in outpatients diagnosed with moderate to severe AD and significant psychopathology.