Scientists in Britain have developed a drug which could represent a major breakthrough in treatment for people with Alzheimer's disease.
The drug, Rember, targets the build-up of tau protein tangles which form inside the brain nerve cells of people with Alzheimer's. These tangles destroy nerve cells linked to memory, causing forgetfulness.
Alzheimer’s disease - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages, Types, Prevention, Prognosis & Treatment
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting memory and thinking and making the person increasingly dependent on others.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting memory and thinking and making the person increasingly dependent on others.
Experts have welcomed the findings but say bigger trials are needed to confirm the drug's effects and check it is safe.
An initial study into the drug's effectiveness focused on 321 people with mild and moderate Alzheimer's in Britain and Singapore.
Those on the drug experienced an 81 percent reduction in mental decline after 50 weeks, compared to a placebo group, researchers said.
Reacting to the findings, Professor Clive Ballard, head of research at Britain's Alzheimer's Society, said: "This first modestly-sized trial in humans is potentially exciting... however, we are not there yet.
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Brilliant Human Brain
The most amazing and complex organ in the entire universe, the human brain continues to remain an enigma.
The most amazing and complex organ in the entire universe, the human brain continues to remain an enigma.
Alzheimer's is a degenerative brain disorder which causes problems with memory and behaviour, for which there is currently no cure. It affects around 350,000 people in Britain alone.
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Source-AFP
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