Alzheimer's disease can cause diabetes, according to a new study from Aberdeen University.

Researchers found changes in brain chemistry can cause diabetes, a disease more commonly associated with weight and diet.

The team believes drugs created to treat diabetes could also be effective in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's.

The study, led by professor Bettina Platt, was published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Diabetologia.

Professor Platt said: "Around 80% of people with Alzheimer's disease also have some form of diabetes or disturbed glucose metabolism.

"This is hugely relevant as Alzheimer's is in the vast majority of cases not inherited and lifestyle factors and comorbidities must therefore be to blame.

"Until now, we always assumed that obese people get type two diabetes and then are more likely to get dementia - we now show that actually it also works the other way around."