Two proteins, amyloid and tau, clump together and smother neurons, causing memory loss and confusion in Alzheimer's patients 

Another protein called VPS35, clears the destructive proteins, but levels of the helpful compound are low in Alzheimer's patients

Researchers used a newly-developed drug to boost levels of VPS35 in the brains of some mice genetically engineered to develop the age-related disease

Treated mice had less tau and amyloid beta proteins and performed better on tests of memory and learning