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The effects of memantine on a patient having preclinical dementia with Lewy bodies

Masahiko Takaya1, Kazuyo Matsusaka, Makoto Yanagida

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka 558-8558, Japan. takayayan@gmail.com

General Hospital Psychiatry
|July 31, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Memantine (a dementia medication) reduced visual hallucinations in a patient with preclinical dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). However, it did not prevent cognitive decline, suggesting a complex therapeutic role.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is characterized by visual hallucinations and cognitive decline.
  • Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist used to treat Alzheimer's disease.
  • Charles Bonnet syndrome involves visual hallucinations in individuals with preserved cognition.

Observation:

  • A single patient with preclinical DLB and Charles Bonnet syndrome was treated with memantine.
  • The study monitored visual hallucinations and cognitive abilities over a 4-month period.

Findings:

  • Memantine treatment led to the complete resolution of visual hallucinations.
  • Cognitive function did not improve, and dementia progression was not halted.

Implications:

  • Memantine may be effective in managing visual hallucinations in preclinical DLB.
  • The findings suggest memantine's mechanism in this context may not directly address dementia progression.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role and mechanism of memantine in DLB and related conditions.

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