MEDICAL experts will gather in the region today to discuss why growing old means an increased risk of disease.

Leading scientists from Japan and the UK are meeting in Newcastle University's Institute for Ageing and Health, at the International Centre for Life.

They will discuss new findings on the ageing process and look at how this can help prevent age-related diseases.

Professor Jim Edwardson, institute director, said: "It will be exciting to hear about the latest research from Japan.

"We have been impressed by Japanese expertise and hope this conference will stimulate collaboration with Japanese academic groups and life science companies."

The Far East delegation will reveal test results on an oral vaccine to combat Alzheimer's disease.

The Newcastle scientists will be sharing their findings on dementia, eye disorders and the therapeutic use of stem cells.