Compared to mice left untreated, those that had been treated were able to demonstrate "fewer memory and behavioral problems."
"These findings are as close to evidence as we can get to show that this particular pathway is active in the development of Alzheimer's disease," Diego Gomez-Nicola, lead author of the study, said in a release.
"The next step is to work closely with our partners in industry to find a safe and suitable drug that can be tested to see if it works in humans," Gomez-Nicola added.
Doug Brown, director of research at the U.K.'s Alzheimer's Society, was encouraged by the findings.
"With an ageing population and no new dementia drugs in over a decade, the need to find treatments that can slow or stop disease progression is greater than ever," he said.
"Although dementia research is still desperately underfunded, increased commitments from government and charities are boosting UK research efforts and contributing to faster global progress towards a much needed cure."