After hearing this in the office from our resident tabloid reader, I’m all prepared to write it off as some quack remedy. However the BBC reports.

An experimental helmet is being tested by scientists as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

It delivers low levels of infra-red light, which researchers at the University of Sunderland, believe may stimulate the growth of brain cells.

Tests in mice showed it improved learning ability and a study in humans is due to begin in the summer.

It even makes it to the Alzheimer’s Society’s website.

Non-thermal near infra-red treatment for people with dementia is a potentially interesting technique. We look forward to further research to determine whether it could help improve cognition in humans. Only then can we begin to investigate whether near infra-red could benefit people with dementia. Dr Susanne Sorensen, Head of research, Alzheimer’s Society.

So I’m off to get the TV remote, that’s infra-red isn’t it, as I can think of a few people that could do with a blast of infra-red.