Modern medicine is developing at an increasingly rapid pace. People around the world are, on average, living longer than ever before. As a result, age-related dementia and Alzheimer's disease are becoming increasingly diagnosed in older people. In the US alone, Alzheimer's disease is estimated to affect 5.7 million people. Help may soon come in the form of a potential new vaccine that has shown success in mouse trials.

Scientists from the US and Australia believe that a new vaccine combined with immunotherapy should be ready for human trials within the next few years. The initial version of the vaccine was developed by Flinders University professor Nikolai Petrovsky in South Australia. The vaccine removes 'senile plaque' and tau protein aggregates, which are significantly associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease.

The researchers hope to be able to start clinical trials of the new drug in about two years' time.

However, it is uncertain whether the drug will work in humans, as tests of previous Alzheimer's drugs have been unsuccessful. With this in mind, the research team says they are determined and motivated to create an effective vaccine that can at least delay and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is most common in people over the age of 65, but can also occur earlier. Around 50 million people suffer from Alzheimer's disease, according to the World Health Organisation. The total number of people with dementia is expected to reach 82 million in 2030 and 152 million in 2050.