OSU studies Alzheimer’s drug for autistic kids

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio State University is participating in a clinical research program to determine if an Alzheimer’s disease medication can be used to treat children with autism.

Children with autism from central Ohio can enroll in the program at OSU’s Nisonger Center. The research involves an evaluation of the drug memantine on social interaction and communication among autistic children. OSU is among 85 research sites participating in the project in the United States.

Memantine is used to treat memory dysfunction.

The research program will evaluate the drug on a larger scale for children, ages 6 to 12, with autism.