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Memantine for the treatment of frontotemporal dementia: a meta-analysis
Authors Kishi T, Matsunaga S, Iwata N
Received 14 August 2015
Accepted for publication 20 October 2015
Published 12 November 2015 Volume 2015:11 Pages 2883—2885
DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S94430
Checked for plagiarism Yes
Review by Single-blind
Peer reviewers approved by Dr Miao Sun
Peer reviewer comments 3
Editor who approved publication: Professor Wai Kwong Tang
Taro Kishi, Shinji Matsunaga, Nakao Iwata
Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
Background: There is no conclusive evidence supporting the efficacy of memantine in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of memantine concerning the efficacy and tolerability of memantine in FTD.
Methods: Studies were identified through searches of PubMed, databases of the Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO citations up to April 10, 2015. Outcomes were Clinical Global Impression (primary), Mini-Mental State Examination, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Zarit Burden Interview scores as well as all-cause discontinuation. Standardized mean difference and risk ratio with 95% confidence interval were calculated.
Results: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (total n=130) met the inclusion criteria. Memantine was marginally superior to placebo as assessed by the Clinical Global Impression scores (standardized mean difference =-0.34, 95% confidence interval =-0.68–0.01, P=0.06). However, there were no significant differences in Mini-Mental State Examination, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Zarit Burden Interview scores as well as all-cause discontinuation between memantine and placebo.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that memantine may benefit FTD patients. However, because only two randomized controlled trials have addressed this issue, further studies using larger samples are needed.
Keywords: frontotemporal dementia, memantine, meta-analysis, Clinical Global Impression
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