The study was authored by Dr Yin Paradies, an epidemiologist from Darwin's Menzies School of Health Research along with two researchers from the United States. It shows that the high rates of diabetes among indigenous people across the globe are rooted in social disadvantage rather than a genetic pre-disposition specific to indigenous populations.

"Around the world, indigenous people suffer from diabetes at 2-5 times the rate of non-indigenous people", says Dr Paradies.

"There is a common misconception that diabetes is 'in the genes' for Indigenous people. This idea stems from the 'thrifty gene hypothesis' which proposes that cycles of feast and famine in indigenous societies created a gene that was very efficient at using nutrients. According to this hypothesis, such efficiency combined with a modern affluent and sedentary lifestyle leads to obesity and diabetes among indigenous people."

"Although there is certainly a genetic component to diabetes that affects people throughout society, the idea that indigenous people have a 'thrifty gene' is dispelled by our research which shows that when it comes to diabetes, genes are no more important for indigenous people than for anyone else."

"Instead, it is aspects of the social environment that are responsible for the high rates of diabetes among indigenous people. Poor diet, reduced physical activity, stress, low birth weight and other factors associated with poverty all contribute to the high rate of diabetes among indigenous people", Dr Paradies said.

"For indigenous people, diabetes will only be tackled by addressing poverty and social disadvantage".

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The researchers say the results suggest that DHA works better on its own than when paired with omega-6 fatty acids.

Alzheimer ™s affects more than 4.5 million adults in the United States; it is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the growth of an aging population means that figure could reach 20 million by 2050.

Five percent of people over 65 are affected, and up to fifty of people will be affected by age 80.

The study adds to growing evidence that diet and lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer ™s disease.

Frank LaFerla a professor of neurobiology and behavior and a co-author of the study, says the study demonstrates that simple changes in diet can positively alter the way the brain works.

Lead author Kim Green says that people can significantly improve their odds against the disease with mental stimulation, exercise, other dietary intakes and by avoiding stress and smoking.