Analysis of Neurotransmitter Levels and Therapeutic Efficacy in Elderly Alzheimer's Disease Patients Treated with Nimodipine Combined with Memantine Hydrochloride

Guo Xiaoxiao; Liu Wanyue; Liu Hongzhao

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-5775.2026.05.007

Abstract：Objective:To analyze the effects of nimodipine combined with memantine hydrochloride on neurotransmitter levels and therapeutic efficacy in elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease(AD).Methods:Using random allocation,153 elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease admitted to Nanyang Central Hospital from January 2023 to February 2024 were divided into a control group(n=51),an observation group(n=51),and a placebo group(n=51).The control group received nimodipine,the observation group received nimodipine plus memantine hydrochloride,and the placebo group received candies equivalent in weight to the control group's medication.Clinical efficacy,neurotransmitter levels,pathological behaviors,functional abilities,and adverse reactions were compared among the study subjects.Results:The differences in scores for calculation ability,orientation,recall ability,memory,and language ability among the three groups of subjects at 6 months post-treatment were compared,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Within the same group,there were no statistically significant differences in scores across dimensions at 6 months post-treatment compared to post-treatment scores(P＞0.05).Before treatment,there were no statistically significant differences in acetylcholine(Ach),serotonin(5-HT),and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)levels among the three groups(P＞0.05).Post-treatment,the levels of these indicators followed the order:observation group＞control group＞placebo group,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).Both the control group and observation group showed higher levels post-treatment compared to pre-treatment,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).Before treatment,there were no statistically significant differences in BEHAVE-AD scores or ADL scores among the three groups(P＞0.05).After treatment,the BEHAVE-AD scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group,while ADL scores were higher,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The BEHAVE-AD scores in both the observation group and the control group after treatment were lower than pre-treatment levels,while ADL scores were higher than pre-treatment levels,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions after treatment among the three groups showed no statistically significant differences(P＞0.05).Conclusion:Compared to monotherapy,the combination treatment of nimodipine and memantine hydrochloride for AD patients did not increase the incidence of adverse reactions.It demonstrated favorable long-term efficacy,improving neurotransmitter levels,pathological behaviors,and quality of life.