Namenda (Merz) positive in Down's Syndrome trial

Researchers have found that Namenda (memantine)from Merz boosts memory function in those with Down's Syndrome, a major milestone in the treatment of this genetic disorder that could significantly improve quality of life. They studied 38 adolescents and young adults with Down's Syndrome. Half took the drug memantine, used to treat Alzheimer's disease, and the others took a placebo. Participants underwent a 16-week course while scientists compared the adaptive and cognitive function of the two groups. While they found no major difference between the groups in adaptive and most measures of cognitive ability, researchers discovered that those taking memantine showed significant improvement in verbal episodic memory. One of the lowest functioning individuals in the study saw a ten-fold increase in memory skills.

The trial was small but the results could have far-reaching implications. A follow-up study is needed using a larger group of people, as well as pursuing studies with younger, school-age participants with Down syndrome. They would have more rapidly developing brains and, since they are in school, would be routinely tested so the effects of the drug could be closely monitored. That could take as little as five years. Results were published in Translational Psychiatry see "Antagonism of NMDA receptors as a potential treatment for Down syndrome: a pilot randomized controlled trial." R Boada et al. Translational Psychiatry (2012) 2, e141.