How Does Namenda Work in the Body?

Use for Alzheimer's

Namenda (also known as memantine) is a medication that is commonly used to treat patients with Alzheimer's. A study by Dr. Barry Reisberg that was published in 2003 in the New England Journal of Medicine tested the effects of Namenda in Alzheimer's patients. His study found that, when compared to a placebo (a sugar pill), Alzheimer's patients had a slower decline in their ability to think. They were also better able to carry out many basic activities--including such daily chores as cooking and taking out the garbage--as well as other, more complex activities such as having a conversation. As a result, Dr. Reisberg concluded that Namenda was an effective treatment for symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

NMDA Receptors

Some theorize that the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease occur because the neurons in the brain become over-excited, which can lead to neuronal cell death. One of the main ways that neurons become excited is by binding to a neurotransmitter called glutamate. The part of the neuron that recognizes and binds to glutamate is the NMDA receptor. Namenda was designed to block the NMDA receptor. By preventing the NMDA receptor from binding to glutamate, Amenda helps prevent neuron overstimulation, which can then protect them from some of the neuronal death that occurs as a result of Alzheimer's.

Other Effects

Namenda is also able to block the effects of another neurotransmitter in the brain, called serotonin. Although its effect on serotonin receptors has been studied, it is not known what effect, if any, this has on Alzheimer's disease. Namenda is also able to block the effects of another neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, and to increase the effects of dopamine, which is another neurotransmitter.