Citation

Holland PJ, Tappen RM, Newman DO, Freeman-Costin KC, Fisher LJ. Can. Geriatr. J. 2021; 24(4): 292-296.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Canadian Geriatrics Society)

DOI

10.5770/cgj.24.540

PMID

34912482

PMCID

PMC8629502

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To determine the feasibility of conducting an RCT on the potential effectiveness of memantine hydrochloride in prolonging safe driving in mild AD.

METHODS: A placebo-controlled, double blind randomized trial was conducted. Forty-three individuals ≥60 with mild AD met screening criteria and were randomized. Driving ability was measured by a standardized on-road driving test. Outcomes were driving capacity at 6 and 12 months and completion of the 12-month intervention.

RESULTS: Of 43 participants randomized, 59% of the memantine group and 52% of the placebo group completed the on-road test at 12 months (p =.66). All 13 memantine group participants maintained their driving status at 12 months, whereas only 8 of the 11 placebo group participants did (p =.040, OR = 4.45).

CONCLUSIONS: Results provide the framework for designing a rigorous multisite clinical trial of memantine effect on maintaining driving capacity in mild AD.

Language: en

Keywords

dementia; Alzheimer’s disease; driving; feasibility; memantine; survival time