Can a Brain-Calming drug help Parkinson's patients walk better?

NCT ID NCT01108029

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University Hospital, Lille Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether memantine, a drug that reduces overactive brain signals, can improve walking and attention in people with advanced Parkinson's disease. Twenty-eight non-demented patients with severe gait issues took memantine or a placebo for three months. The goal was to see if the drug could ease freezing of gait and attention deficits, potentially leading to larger studies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: memantine (a drug that blocks excess glutamate in the brain)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to ease walking problems and attention issues in advanced Parkinson's disease.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early pilot study with only 28 participants. The results may not apply to all Parkinson's patients, and memantine might not show clear benefits.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Gait Disorders, Neurologic Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

GAIT DISORDERS, NEUROLOGIC PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Devos

Lille, 59037, France

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.