A drug used to fight cancer has shown an ability to reverse Alzheimer's-like memory loss.

The research showed effectiveness in reversing memory loss found in fruit flies and mice that have have brain cells containing the protein found in human Alzheimer's plaques.

The drugs used in the study were intended to target EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), which is over-expressed in certain cancers.

Loading Slideshow...

  • Struggling to remember recent events, although they can easily recall things that happened in the past

  • Repeating themselves or losing the thread of what they are saying

  • Forgetting the names of friends or everyday objects

  • Feeling confused even when in a familiar environment

  • Having problems thinking and reasoning

  • Feeling anxious, depressed or angry about their memory loss

  • Finding that other people start to comment on their memory loss

  • Having difficulty recalling things they have heard, seen or read

  • Finding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV

The findings, shown in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, show enhanced activation of EGFRs in brain cells exacerbates Alzheimer's-type memory loss, although the details are not fully understood at present.

The animals were treated with the anti-cancer EGFR inhibitors, which has been shown to prevent memory loss.

Loading Slideshow...

  • Step 1

    Plan a conversation in a familiar, non-threatening environment

  • Step 2

    Explain why talking is important - you’re worried because you care

  • Step 3

    Use examples to make things clearer

  • Step 4

    Have an open conversation - ask how they’re feeling about their memory?

  • Step 5

    Make a positive plan of action together

In a statement, the leader of the study Professor Yi Zhong said that while his team were surprised by their results, the findings represent a very early stage of research.

Although Zhong and colleagues note the uncertainty of Alzheimer's pathology, due to the positive results they have obtained so far, they suggest additional testing with EGFR inhibitors and "behaviorally screened chemicals in treatments of Alzheimer's patients."

LIKE HUFFPOST UK LIFESTYLE ON FACEBOOK | FOLLOW US ON TWITTER