Investigating the effects of memantine on cognitive function in individuals with Down syndrome
Official title: Down Syndrome Memantine Follow-up Study: EEG Data Analysis and Data Sharing with the Research Community
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10876684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a higher dose of the drug memantine might help improve thinking and learning skills in young people with Down syndrome by analyzing brain activity data from a past trial.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $322,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG086928-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents and young adults aged 15-32 with Down syndrome who are in generally good health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 15-32 or those with severe health complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on analyzing EEG data from a previous trial that tested the drug memantine in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. The study aims to explore the potential cognitive benefits of higher doses of memantine, which may not have been evident in earlier trials. By sharing this data with the broader research community, the project hopes to enhance understanding of how memantine affects brain activity and cognitive function in this population. Participants will be monitored for any changes in cognitive and adaptive skills as a result of the treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for cognitive enhancement in individuals with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown mixed results with memantine in similar populations, indicating that while this approach has been explored, the specific focus on higher doses in Down syndrome is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Costa, Alberto C S — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Costa, Alberto C S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
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Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
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Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
A study of infants with Down syndrome to collect brain imaging and developmental data, creating a large, shared resource to understand how autism and other factors relate to development.
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DS-ARC: Smartphone-based cognitive check for people with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer’s
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed and tested for people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, to track changes quietly in daily life.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.