A clinical research unit in Swindon has become the place in the UK to examine if diabetes medicine could cure dementia.

Kingshill Research Centre, which is run by the NHS and located by the Great Western Hospital,  is recruiting patients with vascular dementia and Alzheimer's for a trial to see if a diabetes medication could be used as an early treatment for dementia.

Senior Research Nurse at the Kingshill Research Centre, Helen Cartwright said: "This is great news for the team looking into potential treatments for people with Alzheimer's and dementia. 

Kingshill Research Centre are well known for its work with Alzheimer's studies.

The study itself is called EVOKE and is researching looking to recruit around 1,800 people in approximately 40 countries around the world

"So to have recruited the first UK participant is really exciting," Cartwright said.

Evoke is a 3-year study looking at the effect and safety of a daily tablet called Semaglutide which is already licensed to help control type 2 diabetes.

"If the trial shows positive results it could revolutionise treatments for many people living with dementia," Cartwright said.

According to Dementia UK, there are over 200 subtypes of dementia, with the most common variants being Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia.

It is estimated that, by 2025, over one million people in the UK will have a diagnosis of dementia - and most people will know someone with a dementia diagnosis.

On Kingshill Research Centre's website, a spokesperson said: Although there are no certain benefits clinical trials give participants early access to new medications, prior to licensing, and allow close monitoring by the Centre Staff.

"Participation also gives individuals the satisfaction of knowing that the research may help others in the future and bring hope for those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease."

The Kingshill Research Centre is currently looking to recruit more patients to take part in the study.

They are currently looking for men and women, aged between 55 and 85 to take part.

They must have a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Being part of the study would include about 17 visits to the centre and one phone call during a three year period.