Novel actions of the Alzheimer's Disease (AD) drug memantine were investigated.
Memantine disinhibits cortex by shifting excitation/inhibition balance.
Memantine reduces NMDAR responses in PV + interneurons more than in pyramidal neurons.
Memantine reduces spiking in PV + interneurons, increases spiking in pyramidal neurons.
Disinhibition may be an effective mechanism of action for new AD therapeutics.