Memantine for axial signs in Parkinson's disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Given that memantine is thought to decrease N-methyl-D-aspartic-acid-related (NMDA) glutamatergic hyperactivity and improve locomotion in rats, we sought to assess the drug's impact on axial symptoms in advanced Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

We performed a 90-day, randomised, double-blind, study with two parallel arms: 20 mg/day memantine versus placebo (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01108029). The main inclusion criterion was the presence of a severe gait disorder and an abnormal, forward-leaning stance. The following parameters were analysed under standardised conditions before and after acute administration of L-dopa: gait (stride length as primary criterion), the United-Parkinson's-Disease-Rating-Scale (UPDRS) motor score and its axial subscore, the hypertonia and

SUBMITTER: Moreau C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3623038 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature