Why is Namenda different?
Namenda blocks the NMDA receptor, which is normally a target of glutamate. Glutamate is a chemical messenger involved in storing, processing and retrieving information. Glutamate triggers the NMDA receptor, which normally protects the brain cells from an imbalance of chemicals and electrolytes like calcium. Over excitation of the NMDA receptor has also been shown to cause nerve damage leading to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. This new site of action allows it to be used with older Alzheimer’s drugs such as Aricept.
