The Effect of Memantine on Functional Outcomes and Motor Neuron Degeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

A Randomized, Double-blind, Dose Ranging Study to Determine the Effect of Memantine on Functional Outcomes and Motor Neuron Degeneration in Patients With ALS

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of memantine in ALS patients using functional outcome measures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• El Escorial Classification of laboratory supported probable, probable,or definite ALS
• Age 18 - 80 years,
• ALS symptoms for no more than 3 years,
• FVC greater than or equal to 60% predicted,
• Riluzole naïve or have been on a stable dose of Riluzole for at least 2 months,
• Patients must have the ability to attend monthly study visits in Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of significant sensory abnormalities, dementia, other neurologic diseases, uncompensated medical illness and psychiatric illness
• Female patients who are breastfeeding
• Use of concurrent investigational drugs,
• Patient unlikely to comply with study requirements
• Poor adherence to study protocol during run-in phase