A drug used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease may also help delay the onset of the condition, US scientists say. Donepezil is used by people with Alzheimer’s to improve memory and help with physical functioning. The team from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota found the drug can help slow the progression from mild cognitive problems to full-blown Alzheimer’s. But UK experts said the drug may just be masking the disease’s progress. There is currently no way to prevent or slow the development of the degenerative brain disorder, which affects 400,000 Britons. Lead researcher Dr Ronald Peterson said: “This may be the sign of new horizons to come in attempting to alter the Alzheimer’s disease process as early as possible, buying time for those who may later progress.”
