In the continuing battle against Alzheimers one more breakthrough has been achieved. Scientists in New York promoted the growth of new neurons in the brains of mice using a magnetic stimulus in the region associated with memory.

The results were presented at the American Academy for Neuroscience conference. If proven, the technique is could help slow down the progression of the Alzheimers disease, if not a cure.

Experts said the work was encouraging but would need to be replicated in humans. Trans cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to treat certain disorders, including depression and schizophrenia and to rehabilitate people after stroke.

To look at the effect of TMS on growth of neurons, Dr Fortunato Battaglia and Dr Hoau-Yan Wang at City University in New York, gave mice the therapy for five days and then examined their brains, New Scientist magazine reported.

They found large increases in the proliferation of stem cells - immature cells that go on to develop into nerves and other kinds of tissue - in a part of the brain called the dentate gyrus hippocampus.

These cells divide throughout life and are believed to play a crucial role in memory and mood regulation.

In particular they found one receptor in the cells was activated.

A subsequent study which is due to be published shortly showed that the activity of this receptor declines in mice and humans with Alzheimer's disease.

Taking the two studies together, Dr Battaglia said there were important implications for neuro-rehabilitation.

"When you have a stroke there is an area that is damaged and there are several ways your brain can recover.

"One is that the area which is not damaged will have to work more and it's that we can promote with brain stimulation."

He added that the hippocampus is much deeper in the brains of humans so it wou
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