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Campaign groups today called on the Government for immediate funding to help beat Alzheimer's after groundbreaking research moved closer to finding a cure.
Scientists have found a simple vitamin pill, costing as little as 10p a day, could help prevent the debilitating disease.
But researchers are desperately short of the funding required to confirm the potentially crucial findings. The landmark study by Oxford University researchers shows that large daily doses of B vitamins can halve the rate of brain shrinkage in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment, a precursor to Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
Brain atrophy, a natural part of ageing, is known to happen faster in people with MCI who go on to develop Alzheimer's.
The scientists believe the vitamin treatment could delay or even prevent development of the disease. They are now seeking funding for another trial.
Andrew Ketteringham, of the Alzheimer's Society, said although the findings were “extremely encouraging” there was a severe lack of money available to take it to the next level and find a cure.
He said: “Alzheimer's research is desperately underfunded.
“If the funding for this particular research had been available before, this vitamin B pill could have been available and it could have made a difference to thousands of people's lives. Investment is needed now.”
In the tests, taking B vitamins slowed the rate of brain atrophy by 30 per cent, and in some cases by 53 per cent.
