Escalating Doses of Memantine in Down Syndrome (MEDS-123) (NCT07531940)
Phase 1B Trial on Escalating Doses of Memantine in Down Syndrome
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Down syndrome (DS) is typically caused by an extra chromosome 21 in the cell nucleus (trisomy 21, or T21). T21 is both the most common cause of genetically defined intellectual disability and the earliest documented cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-type pathology. Currently, all presymptomatic individuals with DS are classified as having 'Stage 0' DS-associated AD (DSAD). DSAD pathology evolves inexorably, with virtually all individuals with DS developing AD pathology by age 40, and approximately 50% meeting clinical dementia diagnosis criteria at 55 years of age. This study will test the hypothesis that the FDA-approved AD drug memantine, at higher-than-standard doses, may be effective as a cognitive enhancer in adolescents and young adults with DS. The primary goal of this phase 1b clinical trial will be the assessment of the safety and tolerability of three memantine doses in persons with DS. In addition, we will assess the effect of this drug on cognitive test scores and plasma biomarkers of AD in the study participants. Finally, we will also investigate steady-state plasma levels of memantine and the time course of memantine plasma levels after a single dose in the study participants (pharmacokinetics, or PK). The data generated through this phase 1b study will provide the essential safety, PK, and preliminary efficacy signals required to advance a phase 2 trial evaluating high-dose memantine as a first-in-class therapeutic strategy in DS.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: University Hospitals Case Medical Center — Cleveland, Ohio
Age range: 15 Years to 32 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- University Hospitals Case Medical Center — Cleveland, Ohio
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (216) 844-7281
Email: Melissa.Stasko@case.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Down Syndrome
- Evaluating Treatment of ADHD in Children With Down Syndrome — Sacramento, California
- Effects of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation on Cognition and Language in Down Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea — Atlanta, Georgia
- Using Personal Mobile Technology to Identify Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children With Down Syndrome (UPLOAD) — Ottawa, Ontario
- Executive Function Play Opportunities for Children With Down Syndrome — Fort Collins, Colorado
- Natural History of Dysregulation and Aging of the Immune System in People With Trisomy 21 With and Without Thymectomy — Bethesda, Maryland
Explore by condition: All Down Syndrome clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.