Breakthrough Drug 'Could Halt' Alzheimer's

British researchers report that a new drug could effectively halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Rember™ is the first drug to act on the Alzheimer's tau "tangles," which form inside nerve cells in the brain. According to Aberdeen University researchers, the drug works by dissolving these tau fibers to prevent a build up of tangles which destroy nerve cells and neurons critical for memory.

Trials were carried out on 321 people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The 60mg dose produced the most pronounced effect, an 81% reduction in mental decline in persons after 50 weeks. Brain imaging data also showed that the drug had its most dramatic effect in the critical parts of the brain, affecting memory, where the tangle density is highest.

Professor Clive Ballard of the Alzheimer's Society, commented, "This is a major new development in the fight against dementia. It suggests the drug could be over twice as affective as any treatment that is currently available."

If further trials prove successful, the drug could be on the market by 2012.
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