Scientists are to begin human testing of a vaccine that could help prevent Alzheimer's and cure chronic disease.

Researchers Dundee and Oxford universities have combined the tetanus vaccine with a viral particle that normally affects cucumbers to create a compound that stimulates the immune system.

Tests have shown the vaccine raises antibody levels believed to be beneficial in preventing dementia.

These vaccines can be either preventative, which is the hope for Alzheimer's, but also therapeutic, meaning they can cure a disease like psoriasis after it has already been established.

Present antibodies for psoriasis treatment typically need to be injected at least once a month to keep working and cost around £10,000 per patient annually, while a vaccine would offer much more affordable treatment.

Scientists are set to begin human trials having received regulatory approval.

Dundee University's Dr John Foerster said: "As an academic dermatologist with special interest in the immune system, my specific attention is on vaccines to be developed against chronic skin diseases."

Professor of Vaccinology at the Jenner Institute in Oxford, Professor Martin Bachmann, said: "Alzheimer's disease usually develops in elderly people.

"The fact that the vaccine described here is optimised for old individuals seems therefore particularly helpful."