Alzheimer’s drug being trialled in Victoria ‘four times better’ than current treatment

Victorians are reportedly getting world-first access to a wonder drug that is four times more effective at treating Alzheimer's than the current medication.

The trial of Anavex 2-73, a drug developed by US scientists, will take place in the state after early results showed improvement in sufferers, the Herald Sun has reported.

Trial leader and Caulfield Hospital director of aged psychiatry, Associate Professor Steve Macfarlane said he was "cautiously optimistic" about the results.

Of a dozen people involved in an initial trial, 10 had seen their brain function improve, the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference heard overnight.

"This drug seems to improve electrical markers by four times more than the current standard of care drug, which is a medication called donepezil," he said.

"We’ve also had patients and their carers reporting improvements in their thinking, increased alertness and improvement in their organisation and independence."

The trial will be completed by the end of the year.

However, researchers have warned the drug is unlikely to become a full-fledged cure for the condition.