Using memantine and exercise to help with memory problems after breast cancer treatment

Memantine and Exercise for Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Decline in Patients with Breast Cancer

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10865172

This study is looking at how taking memantine along with an exercise program can help breast cancer patients who are experiencing memory and thinking problems due to chemotherapy, and it aims to find out if this combination really makes a difference.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10865172 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of memantine, a medication, combined with an exercise program on cognitive decline related to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial with three groups: one receiving both memantine and exercise, another receiving memantine alone, and a third receiving a placebo. The goal is to assess how well this combination can improve cognitive function and address biomarkers associated with cognitive decline. Participants will also provide feedback on the feasibility and acceptability of the treatment during their chemotherapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients experiencing cognitive decline related to their chemotherapy treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those with pre-existing severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new approach to prevent or treat cognitive decline in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using exercise and cognitive interventions in cancer patients, but this specific combination of memantine and exercise is novel.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.