A new drug has been found to improve the cognitive function of Alzheimer's patients in the early stages of the disease.

Research presented at the 2008 Alzheimer's Association International Conference demonstrated that the drug PBT2 reduces levels of amyloid-beta protein associated with Alzheimer's disease.

In a clinical trial involving 78 people with early stage Alzheimer's, either 50mg or 250mg doses of PBT2 were administered over a 12-week period.

Results revealed that participants treated with 250mg of the drug demonstrated a significant improvement in brain function compared to a placebo group.

The researchers also found that levels of amyloid-beta in the cerebrospinal fluid of those on the 250mg dose of PBT2 were reduced by approximately 13 per cent compared to placebo at the end of the 12 weeks.

Lead author of the study, Dr Craig Ritchie from the Division of Neurosciences and Mental Health at Imperial College London, said: "The results of our trial are very encouraging, although it was a relatively small study, which took place over a short period of time.

"Our findings certainly engender much optimism that this drug may have a significant effect on the underlying pathology of Alzheimer's, with a tangible clinical benefit for patients."

Moving forward, Dr Ritchie has called for more long-term trials on a much larger scale.

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