Alzheimer's drug more effective than current pill

A promising new form of medication aimed at treating Alzheimer's has showed signs that it may be four times more effective than the current pill.

This drug may be more effective than donepezil, the current pill, in preventing the onset and progression of the disease, Australian researchers said.

Preliminary results regarding the new wonder drug, known as Anavex 2-73 -- presented by researchers at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) in the US overnight -- showed that out of the 12 patients in the Alfred Health trial, 10 recorded improved cognitive function.

Residents of the Australian state of Victoria will have first access to the drug, Xinhua news agency reported.

The trial's head figure, associate professor Steve Macfarlane, director of aged care at Caulfield Hospital in Melbourne, said he was "cautiously optimistic" following the drug's early positive signs.

The amount of improvement in those tested in the 36-days study was greater than that expected of a donepezil-taker after six months.

"We've also had patients and their carers reporting improvements in their thinking, increased alertness and improvement in their organisation and independence," Macfarlane said.

It is estimated that more than 25 million people across the globe suffer Alzheimer's, which slowly deteriorates mental capabilities and is the leading cause of dementia.

The full results of the Australian trial are expected to be released at the end of the year.