The COBALT Trial aims to find out if Memantine as a treatment for patients with Lewy Body Dementia improves overall health and function when given alongside an Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor.

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) are complex illnesses with a wide range of distressing symptoms. Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (AChEI) are commonly used medicines (brand names donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine) that can help people with DLB and PDD by improving day to day functioning and thinking abilities.

Another drug which might help is Memantine. Memantine is a prescription drug used to treat moderate to severe confusion in Alzheimer’s disease and may help to improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions. It is not clear if taking Memantine at the same time as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor will help people with DLB or PDD.

We are looking for 150 patients with DLB and 150 patients with PDD, from across the UK to take part in the COBALT trial. We are running this research at hospitals around the UK and would like to invite you to participate.

If you agree to take part, you will join one of two treatment groups for 12 months:

1. a placebo (‘dummy’ drug) group

OR

2. a medication (Memantine) group

You will have planned visits and phone calls with the local trial team, who will ask you about your symptoms and how you feel.

A family member or person who knows you well will also be asked to answer questions about your symptoms and about how they are feeling.

If you are interested in taking part, please do not hesitate to contact us at cobalt.study@newcastle.ac.uk and we can let you know the details of your nearest participating hospital. You can find further information about our study here: COBALT Trial | COBALT Trial | Newcastle University (ncl.ac.uk)