A team of scientists from America have discovered potential benefits from a vaccine given to sufferers before they start to shown signs of the disease.

They believe this could prevent the disease from developing and pave the way for completely eradicating it.

Alzheimer's is a progressive, physical disease which affects the brain by destroying links between the cells with amyloid protein.

Scientists tested vaccines on mice at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington DC.

They found mice who already had large amounts of amyloid protein in the brain experienced significant brain inflammation.

Those with lower levels of amyloid - imitating humans in the early stages of the disease - did not experience the same level of swelling and showed a significant benefit from the vaccine.

The vaccine now needs to be created for humans.

Lead investigator, Dr R Scott Turner, said patients often no symptoms of inflammation.

He said: ''Excessive inflammation is counter-productive because it will limit the benefits of the vaccine treatment, and in a few cases, will cause new problems.''

Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, added: ''This study adds to increasing evidence suggesting that an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease will need to be given early.

''Although this particular drug was not designed for use in people, we would need to see large-scale clinical trials before we can know whether any new drugs could benefit people with Alzheimer's.

''We are still hamstrung by a lack of accurate early detection for Alzheimer's. Research into diagnosis is crucial.

''We already know that inflammation may play a role in Alzheimer's disease, and it will be important to follow this up.''