Biomarker Predictors of Memantine Sensitivity in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

Overview

The effects of the medication, memantine, on brain functions and the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease will be tested

Eligibility

Inclusion

1. Alzheimer's Disease Research Center-confirmed diagnosis of AD
2. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score 10-22 OR a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score of 15-24
3. Age 50-83 y
4. Knowledgeable caregiver
5. Ambulatory
6. Medically stable;
7. Audiometric testing (detection < 40 db(A) at 1000 Hz)
8. Informed consent

   Exclusion

9. Active systemic illness (e.g. heart disease, liver failure, renal insufficiency,

   cancer, HIV, tuberculosis, Hepatitis C)

10. Current psychiatric or neurologic illness other than AD
11. History of vascular disease, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, transient ischemic attack, seizure, head injury with loss of consciousness; substance dependence (including alcohol and Opioid)
12. Past treatment with memantine; unable to tolerate acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
13. Investigational drug treatment < 30 d of screening
14. Current meds: amantadine, riluzole, other pro-cognitive medication, opioids
15. Positive urine toxicology for non-prescribed psychoactive substance
16. Actively enrolled in cognitive remediation therapy