Japanese scientists believe they may have found a cure for Alzheimer's disease. The researchers, based at Keia University in Tokyo, have discovered a protein that can halt the death of brain cells.

"This is the first step in completely curing Alzheimer's Disease," said Ikuo Nishimoto, a professor of pharmacology and neurosciences at the University. He added, however, that only years of testing will determine whether the protein will actually be an effective cure. The research has so far been limited to test tubes and must progress to animal testing before human testing can begin.