US approves much-debated drug which could treat Alzheimer's disease

It is the only drug that US regulators have said can likely treat the underlying disease, rather than manage symptoms like anxiety and insomnia

An elderly woman’s hands (Yui Mok/PA)

US government health officials have approved the first new drug for Alzheimer’s disease in nearly 20 years.

The Food and Drug Administration said it granted approval to the drug developed by Biogen for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.