Inhibition of α-synuclein Cell-cell Transmission by NMDAR Blocker, Memantine

Inhibition of α-synuclein Cell-cell Transmission by NMDAR Blocker, Memantine

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's Disease. Dementia is defined as a serious loss in cognitive ability due to damages or disease in the brain beyond what is normal aging. With Lewy Body Dementia, protein deposits, or Lewy Bodies, accumulate in nerve cells throughout the brain, affecting motor control, memory and thinking. LBD can also form with the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is a degenerative nervous system disorder that affects movement ability. Using more sensitive MRI imaging techniques the investigators are attempting to see if disease progression can be monitored more closely. At the same time, the study medication Memantine will be compared to a placebo to determine if it can be used to slow the progression of PD. The purpose of this study is to assess if disease progression can be better monitored through brain imaging and if Memantine will help slow disease progression.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed with idiopathic PD for at least 2 or more years
2. 45 to 85 years of age
3. Have been on stable doses of anti-Parkinson medication
4. Able to give informed consent
5. Able to undergo brain MRI
6. Unilateral symptoms
7. A score of 26 or greater on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), a measure of a patients short-term memory recall, the ability to determine visual-spatial relationships of objects, attention, concentration, working memory, language and orientation to time and place
8. Use of one method of medically approved contraceptive

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of any surgical intervention for treating PD (i.e. deep brain stimulation)
2. Extreme physical disability
3. History or current diagnosis of unstable psychiatric condition
4. Presence of dementia or any other condition that prevents the ability of the participant to provide fully informed consent
5. Other brain disease
6. Treatment with Memantine 30 days prior to baseline
7. Females who are pregnant or nursing
8. Presence of interacting medications with Memantine or co-morbid medical conditions that may be exacerbated by this agent
9. Moderately significant drug interactions with Dextromethorphan, Amantadine, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Acetazolamide
10. Previous Allergic reaction to Memantine
11. Any genetic form of PD