Memantine (Namenda®): A Review of its Safety and Efficacy in Treating Alzheimer's Disease 

 

Memantine is a medicine approved for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It works by protecting brain cells from too much stimulation of a chemical called glutamate, which can damage memory and thinking cells. It is not a cure, but it may help slow down memory loss and problems with daily activities. Here’s what seniors and caregivers need to know:

 

What the evidence shows:

• Mild AD: Little-to-no benefit found in this group.

• Moderate-severe AD: For every 6–7 people treated, 1 person benefits in a small, but consistent, meaningful way, such as:

  • Thinking a little clearer and managing daily activities better

  • Can sometimes lessen agitation, aggression, or irritability

  • When memantine is taken together with another medicine (donepezil), people were able to stay at home longer before needing full-time care

• Combined treatment, Memantine + cholinesterase inhibitors, may yield slightly better results than either alone.

• Side effects are few and rare (e.g., dizziness, headache), so most people tolerate memantine well.

• Some reviews suggest limited real-life impact despite statistical gains.

 

 

 

BOTTOMLINE:

Memantine can help slow memory loss, behavior changes, and loss of daily skills somewhat—but mostly for people in the moderate-to-severe stages of Alzheimer’s. It doesn’t make a big difference, and it doesn’t help much when the disease is mild. Often, doctors use it alongside other medications for a bit more benefit. The good news is that it’s usually easy to take and rarely causes serious side effects.

 

Practical tips

• Give it time: benefits may be gradual over weeks to a few months.

• Keep routines: pair medication with steady sleep, activity, and meals.

• Watch for side effects: dizziness, constipation—ask the clinician if they appear.

• Combine approaches: medications + lifestyle steps often help more than either alone.