Researchers at Aberdeen University have made a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer's by finding that the disease can be combated with omega-3 oils.

In the study, researchers found that individuals, whose diets are high in omega-3 oils - found in found fish, walnuts and a number of seeds - do better in mental tests than those without the oils in their diets.

The study also found a genetic link that explains why some fish oil studies have been inconclusive in the past.

Alzheimer's, a degenerative terminal disease for which there is currently no known cure, begins with short-term forgetfulness and leads to severe memory loss, personality changes and the inability to live an independent life.

"Ten years ago this would have been science fiction. What we are touching on here is how nutrients can interact with specific genes in the body," the Scotsman quoted Lawrence Whalley, professor of mental health at Aberdeen University, who led the research, as saying.

For the study, researchers involved 120 people over the age of 64 and asked them to sit for intelligence tests in Scottish schools in 1947.

The tests were given at the ages of 64, 66 and 68.

Researchers also took blood samples so that the partcipants' DNA and the presence of omega-3 fats in their blood could be analysed.

The results of the tests were separated based on whether the individuals possessed a crucial gene known as APOE e4.