Could Memantine be a Disease Modifying Agent in Alzheimer's Disease?

 
   Lead Investigator:    Robert Simon
   Institution      :    University of California at Irvine
   E-Mail           :    robertelliots@cox.net
   Proposal ID      :    1470



   Proposal Description:
   Hypothesis:  Neurotransmitter toxicity may damage synapses and neurons.  Some  medications partially block Neurotransmitter activity in the brain.  They may  help improve cognition (minimally) when given to people with moderate or severe  dementia. It is possible that long term Neurotransmitter treatment, started  early in the course of memory disturbance, may slow the progression of  cognitive loss.     Is it possible that memantine is a disease modifying agent?     Research:  Compare participants in the data base.  Those who came to the  program having already been started on memantine even with very mild symptoms  and findings, to participants who did not receive memantine until dementia was  present.  What is the rate of cognitive decline in the two groups as measured  by by MOCA, MMSE, CDR, and other measures as yet to be decided?