Dr. Christian Holscher and his University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, UK, team have already found the drug can enhance brain cell growth and protect memory formation in mice, as well as reducing levels of amyloid -- a hallmark protein in Alzheimer's -- in the brain.

 

The research team focused on the diabetes drug because people with Alzheimer's often suffer from both conditions.

 

"We came up with the idea to test these drugs on Alzheimer's models and that has worked out really well and we have some great results."

 

"People are taking these drugs already but scientists are not looking at the brain, that's what we want to do. Unfortunately these studies are very expensive but hopefully we will get the funding."