The Effect of Memantine on Functional Outcomes
and Motor Neuron Degeneration in ALS

Funded by: The ALS Association

Principal investigators:
Ming Chan, MD,  Principal Investigator,  University of Alberta
Sanjay Kalra, MD,  Principal Investigator,  University of Alberta

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

ENROLLMENT STATUS: Open

TARGET NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 42

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 70% predicted
• Riluzole naïve or have been on a stable dose of Riluzole for at least 2 months.

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

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ramnik Sekhon
(780) 407-2944
rsekhon@ualberta.ca 
University of Alberta ALS Clinic
Edmonton, Alberta,  T6G 2B7
Canada

last update March 9, 2009