Study Uses Alzheimer’s Drug To Treat Children With Autism
Researchers at The Ohio State University’s Nisonger Center are using a drug normally prescribed for Alzheimer’s patients to determine if it will improve the communication skills of children with autism.
Researchers theorize that if children with autism experience over-activity of the same neurochemical at work in Alzheimer’s disease, then one of the medicines used for Alzheimer’s may help in autism, too.
“We know that the drug memantine is effective in people with Alzheimer’s disease,” says Michael Aman, director of research at the Nisonger Center. “Memantine actually serves to enhance cognitive function, or at least hold the line.”
via Health News – Study Uses Alzheimer’s Drug To Treat Children With Autism.
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About The Author
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts is founder of Support for Special Needs and has been a regular contributor since its inception in May 2010. A mom to two kids with special needs, she didn't want other parents to feel what is the often isolating world of raising a child (or two!) with disabilities. Her kids had kidney transplants at the age of eight and will need liver transplants in the future as a result of ARPKD/CHF. They both have vision disorders and learning disabilities.