Delaying the Progression of Driving Impairment in Individuals With Mild Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease Clinical Trial

Official title: Delaying the Progression of Driving Impairment in Individuals With Mild Alzheimer's Disease

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of the study is to determine whether memantine delays the progression of driving impairment in patients with mild Alzheimer's Disease (AD).

Clinical Trial Description

It is well known, and of great concern to both patients and families, that individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) eventually become driving impaired. Drivers with dementia are estimated to be 2-8 times more likely to be involved in an automobile crash as unimpaired peers. Approximately half of individuals with mild AD have the skills needed to drive safely. Formal driver evaluation may be necessary to make this distinction. Some reviews in the literature have suggested that individuals identified as high risk, such as those with AD, be advised by their physicians to cease driving altogether. Other studies suggest that these individuals may continue to drive for up to 4 years following diagnosis. Memantine may be effective in delaying the progression of driving impairment in individuals with mild AD. If the investigators can demonstrate a significant delay in the decline in the driving ability, this could extend their driving time and therefore be of immense benefit to patients and their caregivers.

Comparison(s): Subjects treated with memantine over a period of 12 months, compared to subjects on placebo. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Alzheimer Disease
• Alzheimer's Disease

• NCT number: NCT00476008
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Florida Atlantic University
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Start date: July 2007
• Completion date: October 2012