Type 2 diabetes drug ‘could treat victims of Alzheimer’s’
A DIABETES drug may one day be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease after it “significantly” reversed memory loss in mice, scientists believe.
A so-called “triple receptor drug” helped cut the volume of amyloid plaques linked to the degenerative brain disorder, University of Lancashire researchers found.
It also raised levels of a chemical that helps brain cells function. Prof Christian Holscher said the drug had “protective effects”, adding that it “shows promise as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s”. But he said more tests are needed. Dr Doug Brown, of The Alzheimer’s Society, said: “With no new treatments in nearly 15 years, we need new ways of tackling Alzheimer’s.” About 850,000 people in the UK have dementia, most with Alzheimer’s.