What is the classification of the drug Memantine in relation to Alzheimer’s treatment?

Memantine is classified as an NMDA receptor antagonist, which plays a distinct role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This classification is important as NMDA receptors are involved in synaptic plasticity and memory function. In Alzheimer's, excessive stimulation of these receptors by glutamate can lead to neuronal cell death, which exacerbates cognitive decline.

By blocking the NMDA receptors, memantine helps to reduce this excitotoxicity, thus providing a protective effect on neurons, enhancing memory function, and slowing the progression of symptoms in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. This mechanism differentiates memantine from other classes of medications used in Alzheimer's treatment, such as cholinesterase inhibitors, which work by increasing levels of acetylcholine but do not directly interact with NMDA receptors.