THE PILL TO HELP FIGHT OAPS’ FORGETFULNESS

A BREAKTHROUGH drug could reverse brain ageing and target everyday forgetfulness.

An extract from Valium reactivated vital brain cells which decline over time, researchers found. The drug could also boost older people’s decision making and planning.

Lead author Dr Etienne Sibille said: “Aged cells regrew to appear the same as young brain cells. [This has] direct implications for poor cognition in normal ageing. Anyone over 55 who may be at risk could benefit. Ideally, it’ll be a pill a day.”

Memory was boosted by 80% in older mice with declining brains.

But although it could prevent or delay dementia, the drug cannot reverse it once it has taken hold. Human trials will begin on the findings, unveiled at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Washington.