Elizabeth Taylor denies Alzheimer's claims

Elizabeth Taylor has dismissed US newspaper reports that she was being treated for early Alzheimer’s disease or was gravely ill.

The Oscar-winning actress, who now uses a wheelchair because of back problems, was asked about the reports during an appearance on CNN’s Larry King Live early today.

“Oh come on, do I look like I’m dying?” the 74-year-old asked King. “Do I look like or sound like I have Alzheimer’s?”

Taylor said tabloids reported such things “because they have nothing else dirty to write about anybody else”.

She said her back problems went back to her teenage years because she was born with scoliosis – curvature of the spine.