Epilepsy drug 'can reverse Alzheimer's memory loss'

A common epilepsy drug could reverse the memory problems associated with Alzheimer's disease if it is given during the condition's early stages, new research suggests.

Valproic acid (VPA) inhibits the activity of an enzyme and as a result halts the formation of plaque deposits in the brain, according to the study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine.

Following the tests on mice, a small human trial is underway, from which results are expected next year.

"We found that if we used VPA in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease, in model mice, it reduced plaque formation and further prevented brain cell death," said lead researcher Professor Weihong Song.

The scientist added that the team is "very excited" because the results mean it is now aware of when best to administer the medicine as well as how it works.

A separate study has suggested that people can dramatically reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease by making changes to their lifestyle.

The Environmental Threats to Healthy Ageing report published jointly by Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Science and Environmental Health Network found environmental factors to be key drivers behind both conditions.

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