Star Trek Scotty has Alzheimer's

James Doohan, the actor who played Scotty in the 60s Star Trek TV series and in films, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, his agent confirmed.

Doohan, 84, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's "within the last couple months", agent Steven Stevens told reporters.

He said Doohan is in the beginning stages of the disease, a progressive neurological disorder that afflicted former American President Ronald Reagan, who died on June 5.

Canadian-born Doohan also has suffered for some time with Parkinson's disease, diabetes and fibrosis due to chemical exposure during Second World War and the D-Day invasion in France, Mr Stevens said.