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

NCT ID NCT01108029

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for GAIT DISORDERS, NEUROLOGIC are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Devos

    Lille, 59037, France