It regulates glutamate, another brain chemical. As with the cholinesterase inhibitors, it eases symptoms for some people rather than altering the disease.
It is generally well tolerated.
Why it matters
It is the second drug most families are offered, usually as the dementia progresses.
Questions people ask
What is memantine used for?
Memantine is used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. MedlinePlus says it belongs to a class of medications called NMDA receptor antagonists and works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain; the National Institute on Aging says it is believed to regulate glutamate, a brain chemical. Memantine helps control symptoms but does not cure the disease. It is sold under the brand name Namenda.
What are the side effects of memantine in the elderly?
MedlinePlus lists dizziness, confusion, headache, sleepiness, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, aggression, depression, body pain and cough as possible side effects of memantine. It says shortness of breath and hallucinations are serious and need a call to the doctor right away or emergency care. Tell the doctor if milder symptoms are severe or do not go away, and do not stop memantine without talking to them.
Does memantine work?
Memantine can ease symptoms for some people, but it does not stop Alzheimer's. The National Institute on Aging says it is prescribed to decrease symptoms, which could help some people keep certain daily abilities a little longer than they would without it. Its example: memantine may help a person in the later stages keep using the bathroom independently for several more months. Whether it helps a particular person is a question for their doctor.
What is the difference between memantine and donepezil?
They work in different ways. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor that prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, while memantine is an NMDA antagonist believed to regulate glutamate. The National Institute on Aging says that because they work differently, the two can be prescribed together, and the FDA has approved a combination of memantine and donepezil for moderate to severe Alzheimer's. The doctor decides whether one, the other or both fits.
Does memantine help with memory?
Memantine is prescribed to help with memory and thinking, though it cannot stop the damage Alzheimer's causes. The Alzheimer's Association says glutamate regulators like memantine are prescribed to improve memory, attention, reason, language and the ability to perform simple tasks, and that such medicines may help lessen or stabilize symptoms for a limited time. Results vary from person to person, so discuss expectations with the doctor.
Sources
Where to check this, and where to read more. All external and all authoritative.
- National Institute on Aging: How is Alzheimer's disease treated?
- US Food and Drug Administration: Alzheimer's disease
- MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine: Memantine
- Alzheimer's Association: Medications for memory, cognition and dementia-related behaviors