Common asthma drug ‘could slow dementia decline’

A common asthma drug could help be key to slowing, and even stopping, dementia, according to a new study.

Montelukast, which is sold under the name Singulair has been shown to reverse the ageing process of the brain in rats and pending further investigation could soon be used in human trials on people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Neuroscientist Ludwig Aigner, of the Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg, explained that the drug blocks receptors within the brain, which can trigger inflammation.

While presenting his findings at a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in Chicago last week, Dr Aigner said: “Structurally, the brain had rejuvenated… I think the drug reverses the damage associated with ageing.”

He explained that this could help to significantly restore learning and memory. 

Commenting on the findings, Arthur Roach, director of research and development at Parkinson’s UK, told the New Scientist that the findings were “very promising”.