It has been known for some years that people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.

But now, researchers at the University of South Florida think they know why, and their findings could pave the way for a treatment for the disease.

The researchers found that a protein released into the bloodstream of people with rheumatoid arthritis provided protection against Alzheimer's in mice.

Their study appears online today in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Read more from the St. Petersburg Times.

See also: Realignment for Alzheimer Research