'Neurostatins' found to be cure for future dementia patients

There may never be a ‘cure’ for dementia but millions may one day be prescribed the drugs to stop damage to the brain, Express.co.uk reports, citing experts.

Dementia describes a set of symptoms which include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language and can be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or strokes.

However, scientists believe the new generation of drugs could prevent the expected rise the number of people being diagnosed with dementia, by doing for Alzheimer's what statins already do to reduce cholesterol, preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Scientists have revealed a great deal of research about the protein 'tangles' and 'plaques' that cause the disease.

However, University of Cambridge scientists have argued the predicted increase of dementia sufferers as the population ages may never happen - because of better education and improved standards of living. 

But while millions remain affected by the condition, effective treatment or cure for the disease is still deemed to be distant.

Experts have said there should be a greater emphasis on reducing the risk of dementia by keeping the brain healthy through lifestyle and social changes, with future drugs preventing or treating the disease at an earlier stage.

Researchers have found compounds which might work.

Professor Michel Goedert from the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology said: "We know much about the causes of inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease, but this knowledge has so far not led to any therapies.

"It's clear now that abnormal protein aggregation is central to Alzheimer's disease, but we don't know the mechanisms by which this aggregation leads to neurodegeneration.

"I don't think we should talk of a cure.

"At best, we will be able to halt the disease. Prevention will be much more important."

Professor Goedert said he doesn't believe there will ever be a single treatment but added expert can use combination therapies in the same way that we treat other diseases such as HIV.