Archive 1995–2023
2006, volume 22, issue 3-4
Review article
Memantine – a glutamatergic strategy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Marcin Flirski1,
Tomasz Sobów1
1. Klinika Psychiatrii Wieku Podeszłego i Zaburzeń Psychotycznych Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi
Farmakoterapia w Psychiatrii i Neurologii, 2006, 3–4, 177–186
Keywords: memantine, Alzheimer’s disease, glutaminiane, NMDA receptor
Summary
Until recently, cholinesterase inhibitors have been the only available option in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This review is devoted to the role of glutamatergic system in the pathogenesis and therapy of AD, with a focus on a new drug – an NMDA receptor antagonist, memantine – and its place in the therapeutic strategy of AD. In this paper we give an overview of memantine’s mechanism of action in a broader context of glutamatergic dysfunction in AD, and review data on the influence of memantine on cognitive functions, behavioural disturbances and functional status of AD patients. The aspect of tolerance and safety of memantine use in the elderly is also included.
Correspondence address
Marcin Flirski
Klinika Psychiatrii Wieku Podeszłego i Zaburzeń Psychotycznych
Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi
ul. Czechosłowacka 8/10, 92-216 Łódź
tel. (42) 675 73 72, fax (42) 675 77 29
e-mail: [email]mflirski@csk.umed.lodz.pl[/email]
Klinika Psychiatrii Wieku Podeszłego i Zaburzeń Psychotycznych
Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi
ul. Czechosłowacka 8/10, 92-216 Łódź
tel. (42) 675 73 72, fax (42) 675 77 29
e-mail: [email]mflirski@csk.umed.lodz.pl[/email]