UK scientists have developed a drug which may halt the progression of
Alzheimer's disease.

Trials of the drug, known as rember, in 321 patients showed an 81%%
difference in rate of mental decline compared with those not taking
the treatment.

The Aberdeen University researchers said the drug targeted the build-
up of a specific protein in the brain.

Alzheimer's experts were optimistic about the results, but said larger
trials were now needed.

Presenting the results at the International Conference on Alzheimer's
Disease, Professor Claude Wischik said the drug may be on the market
by 2012.

This bodes well for a Phase III trial, but we need more human trials
to assess the treatment's possible side effects

Patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease were given either
30, 60 or 100mg of the drug or a placebo.

The 60mg dose produced the most pronounced effect - over 50 weeks
there was a seven-point difference on a scale used to measure severity
of dementia.