Memantine for the Treatment of Behavioral Disturbance in Unspecified Major Neurocognitive Disorder

In this case report, we aimed to examine how the use of memantine in an elderly gentleman with unspecified major neurocognitive disorder (NCD) led to significant clinical improvement in his behavioral disturbances. After presenting to the psychiatric ward due to aggressive behavior at his assisted living facility, the patient continued to exhibit numerous disruptive and confrontational behaviors while hospitalized. Memantine was started at 5 mg daily with gradual titration up to 10 mg twice daily over the course of four weeks, with marked improvement in behavior as well as an increase in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score by five points after seven weeks of treatment. Given our experience and the safety profile of memantine, we conclude that memantine may have a role in the treatment of behavioral disturbances in patients with unspecified major NCD, though further research will be necessary to define this role.