Could a common Alzheimer's drug sharpen thinking in schizophrenia?
NCT ID NCT04857983
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether adding memantine, a drug used for Alzheimer's, to targeted cognitive training (brain exercises) could improve thinking and daily function in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. 62 participants took either memantine or a placebo while completing 30 hours of cognitive training. The goal was to see if memantine enhances the benefits of the training on symptoms, thinking skills, and disability.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- memantine
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to improve thinking and daily function in people with schizophrenia.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study (62 people). The results may not apply to everyone, and memantine may not provide additional benefit over cognitive training alone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 2/3
Runs two stages together: whether the treatment works, then large-scale confirmation.
- Participants
-
62 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jul 2021
- Finished
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Mar 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder * Written informed consent to participate in the study * Age 18-65 * Absence of dementia or mental retardation * Urine toxicology negative for recreational drugs * Fluent and literate in English Exclusion Criteria: * Meets DSM-IV criteria for current substance abuse or dependence and has been substance abstinent for less than 30 days * A history of traumatic brain injury * Auditory or visual impairments severe enough to prevent study participation * Under conservatorship (determined by Anasazi) * Pregnancy
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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
-
Clinical Teaching Facility (CTF B-403 at UCSD Medical Center)
San Diego, California, 92103, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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