Despite some preliminary problems with research, a new study published in the most recent issue of the medical journal 'Neurology' found that the experimental vaccine used to treat Alzheimer's patients did have some noticeable benefits for patients. It is now likely that research and testing of the vaccine will resume in the near future.

Testing of the vaccine was discontinued in 2002 when 17 of the 300 patients being tested suffered dangerous inflammation of the brain. However, the new study demonstrates that the vaccine did improve memory in a number of patients and also helped reduce the 'plaques' that build up in the brain and cause memory loss in those suffering from Alzheimer's.

Doctor Sid Gilman of the University of Michigan Medical School and one of the leaders of the study released a statement saying, 'We now need to see whether we can create an immune response safely and in a way that slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease and preserves cognition.'

The experimental vaccine was made by Elan Corporation, a Dublin based pharmaceutical company. The vaccine targeted the beta amyloid proteins that produce plaque in Alzheimer's patients. Those who responded well to the vaccine did not show an increase of plaque over a year's time.

It is likely that testing of the vaccine will now resume with the hope that safety concerns can be alleviated.