ALZHEIMER'S disease sufferers could benefit from a new type of drug which is being pioneered at the Kingshill Research Centre in Swindon.

The drug could revolutionise treatment of Alzheimer's disease, especially in the later stages of the illness, by slowing its progress.

The drug, which has not yet been given a name, has been used in Germany for some time and works in a different way from the three currently licensed drugs.

It acts by blocking a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger, which commands brain cells to self-destruct.

And it could be used as a last resort by sufferers of the disease after other drugs have failed to improve their condition.

Further details have yet to be released by the drug company involved prior to it being licensed for use.

The research centre, which is at the core of a host of projects and trials into Alzhei-mer's, is due to host the fourth National Memory Clinic Confer-ence on Wednesday, to coincide with Alzheimer's Awareness Week.

The event offers people working in the field a chance to compare notes on their achievements and discuss future developments.

One of the longest established memory clinics in the UK, the Kingshill Memory Clinic based in the department of Old Age Psychology in Victoria Hospital has been running for seven years.

It aims to provide assessment and follow-up treatment for patients with memory problems and runs four memory clinics a week.

New patients are first assessed by the centre's psychologists and then by a doctor to look into their patients' medical history.

Patients are seen six weeks later for a follow-up appointment, where diagnosis may be given and appropriate referrals made.

Memory clinics play a key role in the identification of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

Early diagnosis brings real benefits to people with dementia and their carers, enabling them to access appropriate treatment and support.