Could a common Alzheimer's drug help stroke survivors move again?
NCT ID NCT02144584
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study is testing whether memantine, a drug already used for Alzheimer's, can improve arm and leg function after an ischemic stroke. Twenty participants with arm weakness will receive either memantine or a placebo for several weeks. The study measures motor skills and tracks any side effects to see if the drug is safe and worth studying further.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- memantine (Namenda XR)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a treatment to help people regain movement after a stroke.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small pilot study with only 20 people. It is designed to test feasibility, not prove effectiveness, so results may not lead to a new treatment.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Zapping the brain to restore swallowing after stroke?
- Can Brain-Triggered stimulation reawaken arms after stroke?
- Can lifestyle choices after a stroke extend life and prevent a second one?
- Can Clot-Removing devices improve stroke recovery?
- A tiny neck implant could catch Stroke-Causing clots before they reach the brain
- Can virtual games retrain the brain to restore balance?