In Thinking About Gingko? (March/April 2009), Dan Hurley states that the benefit of memantine may be as minimal as extending for just a few months the ability of a person with advanced Alzheimer's to us a bathroom independently.
While I am unfamiliar with this drug, I am a former caregiver of beloved elders. Let me emphasize that even a month of using the bathroom independently is not minimal! The inability to go to the bathroom independently is a major stressor for both the patient and caregiver.
I'm impressed by your publication and have recommended it to others, but I urge you to have greater awareness and sensitivity to the daily struggles faced by patients and those who love them.
Valodi Foster
Sacramento, CA