According to new research published in the Brain Research Journal, a drug developed for type 2 diabetes could possibly be a boon for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

The "triple agonist" drug combining GLP-1, GIP and Glucagon receptors has been proved to be able to protect the brain from degeneration and effectively reverse memory loss, according to a recent study by British and Chinese universities.

The drug could also enhance levels of a brain growth factor which protects nerve cell functioning, and slows down the rate of nerve cell loss, among other benefits.

Previous studies have shown a link between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, as impaired insulin is connected to cerebral degenerative processes and insulin resistance has been found in Alzheimer patients' brains.

Other scientists not involved in the trial are cautiously optimistic about the result.