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Injecting a protein named IL-33 can help reverse cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease patients, claim researchers from The University of Glasgow and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Though the protein is tested only in mice and still in the initial stages of trial, it is quite hopeful in paving way for new treatment.

The IL-33 protein is reportedly a type of protein that is produced naturally in human body. The protein is said to be produced during body's immune response against diseases, particularly against infection in central nervous system. The protein when injected found to stall cognitive decline and eventually improve cognitive functions.

Furthermore, IL-33 protein also helps in preventing the beta amyloid plague formation in the brain, which is common in Alzheimer's disease patients. The researchers also note that the protein has the potential to stop the progression of the disease in patients and also ensures that the symptoms of the disease don't show up again.

"The hallmarks of Alzheimer's include the presence of extracellular amyloid plaque deposits and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain," said study's co-researcher Professor Eddy Liew, according to Parent Herald. "During the course of the disease, 'plaques' and 'tangles' build up, leading to the loss of connections between nerve cells."

The researchers tested the protein on laboratory mice with Alzheimer's disease. The cognitive functions in mice were reversed in just a week and their neurological conditions were completely restored. However, it is not certain that if the effects of the protein would translate to humans as such since the way body responds to compounds vary from species to species, reported The Weekly Observer.

Alzheimer's disease rate is increasing drastically over the present decade worldwide. As far as United States is concerned, one out of nine adults aged 65 and above is suffering from this neurodegenerative dementia. Recent Alzheimer's Association statistics has it that about 5.2 million Americans are affected by Alzheimer's dementia.

"These findings suggest that navigational tasks designed to assess a cognitive mapping strategy could represent a powerful new tool for detecting the very earliest Alzheimer's disease-related changes in cognition," associate professor of psychological and brain sciences in Arts & Sciences Denise Head wrote.