Memantine: updates from the past decade and implications for future novel therapeutic applications

This review provides an update on advances during the past decade in our knowledge of the pharmacology and clinical use of memantine. It covers aspects related to preclinical research, such as new findings about the mechanism of action, and the efficacy of memantine in animal models of various diseases beyond dementia. In particular, new emerging indications since the publication of our latest review almost a decade ago were investigated. Where possible, preclinical findings were reinforced by data obtained in clinical studies in patients with Alzheimer's disease, as well as in other indications reported by researchers who initiated off-label studies. This comprehensive narrative review demonstrates that memantine continues to show robust efficacy in its primary indication of Alzheimer's disease. However, while numerous potential new indications have emerged from preclinical studies, only a limited number show sufficient evidence to warrant further clinical investigation.