Effect of Memantine on Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Epilepsy

Background:b> Epilepsy is a complex disorder, which involves much more than seizures, encompassing a range of associated co-morbid health conditions that can have significant health and quality-of-life implications. Of these co-morbidities, cognitive impairment is one of the most common and distressing aspects of epilepsy. Cognitive and behavioral impairments have been observed as a consequence even of single seizure. Memantine is approved for the treatment of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s dementia and used to treat other neurodegenera0tive dementias. In addition to its benefits on cognition, function, and global status, memantine treatment may also help alleviate behavioral symptoms.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study was carried over 100 patients with idiopathic epilepsy associated with mild to moderate cognitive impairment divided into two groups each group 50 patients. Group (A) received memantine while group (B) received placebo. A battery of psychometric tests was utilized.

Results: Memantine group showed significant gradual improvement in cognitive and memory functions by WAIS, MAS and BVMT-R after 3 and 6 months in comparison to baseline assessment. While, in Placebo group there was no significant improvement in cognition and memory functions after 3 and 6 months in comparison to baseline assessment.

Conclusion: Memantine (10 mg) once daily is a safe and effective drug in improving cognitive and memory functions in patients with idiopathic epilepsy associated with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

Keywords: Epilepsy; Cognitive impairment; Memantine