London, June 21. (DPA): A drug made from daffodils has been found effective in treating various kinds of dementia including Alzheimer's disease. A study into the effects of the drug Galantamine found benefits in its use as a treatment for dementia triggered by strokes and artery disease. Dementia is a decline in memory and intellectual abilities caused by brain shrinkage and Alzheimer's disease is the most common type. Dementia is also often caused by vascular problems involving the blood supply to the brain. The new findings show that Galantamine, sold under the brand name Reminyl, improves the memory, orientation and language skills of patients with vascular and "mixed dementia." Reminyl, which is not yet approved for treating vascular dementia, helped sufferers perform normal activities such as bathing, dressing and doing housework. Dr. Roger Bullock, of the Kingshill Research Center in Swindon, west of London, who led one of 10 patient trial groups in Europe and Canada, said: "This study has the potential to make a real impact on the way dementia is treated throughout the world." |
