Effect of Memantine on Prolonging Safe Driving in Early AD: a Pilot Study

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.