Memantine for the treatment of frontotemporal dementia: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND There is no conclusive evidence supporting the efficacy of memantine in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of memantine concerning the efficacy and tolerability of memantine in FTD. METHODS Studies were identified through searches of PubMed, databases of the Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO citations up to April 10, 2015. Outcomes were Clinical Global Impression (primary), Mini-Mental State Examination, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Zarit Burden Interview scores as well as all-cause discontinuation. Standardized mean difference and risk ratio with 95% confidence interval were calculated. RESULTS Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (total n=130) met the inclusion criteria. Memantine was marginally superior to placebo as assessed by the Clinical Global Impression scores (standardized mean difference =-0.34, 95% confidence interval =-0.68-0.01, P=0.06). However, there were no significant differences in Mini-Mental State Examination, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Zarit Burden Interview scores as well as all-cause discontinuation between memantine and placebo. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that memantine may benefit FTD patients. However, because only two randomized controlled trials have addressed this issue, further studies using larger samples are needed.