Researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine tested the procedure on eight patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. First, researchers collected skin cells from the patients and grew them in the laboratory to express nerve growth factor (NGF) -- a protein known to help keep cells healthy and prevent cell death.

Then, they implanted the cells into the patients’ brains. Patients were followed for an average of 22 months. Results showed the rate of mental decline, as measured by a standard test, was reduced up to 51 percent. Brain scans also showed increased metabolic activity in the patients’ brains, which researchers say indicates they were healthier than they were prior to the procedure.