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Study Examining Use Of Alzheimer's Drug For Autism

Ohio State University is participating in a large clinical research program to determine if an Alzheimer's disease medication may be used to treat children with autism.The study is evaluating the use of the drug memantine on social interaction and communication among autistic children. OSU is among 85 research sites in the United States. Memantine is used to treat memory dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease. Researcher Michael Aman noted in a preliminary study that autistic children who were given memantine were more open and interactive with other people. The study also found that their ability to interact and communicate with peers improved.

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.