A breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease could be less than 12 months away, as clinical trials on a new drug begin.

Half a million Australians currently suffer from dementia.

The disease has no cure and with the ageing population growing, the problem is only going to get worse.

But scientists from biotechnology company, Actinogen are busy working on a new drug, that could change how dementia is treated.

Trials have already been successfully completed on mice, and human tests have now begun.

Doctor Michael Woodward is the principal researcher for the new drug and tells Deborah Knight the initial analysis has been positive.

“It’s really quite exciting.

“The trial is yet to be fully completed but the results should be out in as little as three months.”

Doctor Woodward says if the drug works, we could see a treatment for the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease relatively soon.

“I’m really hopeful in the next year we’ll have some major breakthrough, including this drug.”

Click PLAY below for the full interview