Health Information
Memantine for Alzheimer's Disease
How It Works
A neurotransmitter (a brain chemical) called glutamate helps with memory and learning. But in large amounts, glutamate is toxic to the brain, and it may kill brain cells. Having too much glutamate might be one reason why people with Alzheimer's disease have problems with learning and remembering new things.
Memantine helps to stop glutamate from harming the brain. This can help reduce memory loss and thinking problems.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 29, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Myron F. Weiner, MD - Psychiatry, Neurology |
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