Study finds no effect of metformin on memory in individuals with ASD

Increasing numbers of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are taking metformin to counteract weight gain caused by antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone (Risperdal). While studies differ as to the results of metformin on memory—with some reporting that it enhances memory, and others reporting that it impairs it—new research suggests that it has neither a positive nor a negative effect on memory in individuals with ASD. 

Michael Aman and colleagues enrolled 51 individuals with ASD in their study. Participants were between 6 years and 17 years of age, and all were taking atypical antipsychotic medications, had gained weight, and were enrolled in a trial of metformin for weight management. 

Initially, in a 16-week double-blind, randomized trial, half of the group received metformin while the other half received a placebo. In the next open-label phase of the study, all participants took metformin for 16 weeks. 

Testing participants’ spatial and verbal memory, the researchers report, “No measures differed between participants randomized to metformin versus placebo, at either 16 or 32 weeks, after adjustment for multiple comparisons.” They note, however, that more study is needed to support their findings.

Citations

 “Effects of metformin on spatial and verbal memory in children with ASD and overweight associated with atypical antipsychotic use,” M. G. Aman, J. A. Hollway, J. Veenstra-VanderWeele, B. L. Handen, K. B. Sanders, J. Chan, E. Macklin, L. E. Arnold, T. Wong, C. Newsom, R. Hastie Adams, S. Marler, N. Peleg, and E. A. Anagnostou, Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, April 5, 2018 (epub prior to print publication). Address: Michael Aman, [email protected].