Blood flow to brain may affect Alzheimer's risk

  

A slow, chronic reduction of blood-sugar to the brain may trigger some forms of Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers at the Feinberg School of Medicine analyzed both human and mice brains. They believe that a reduction in blood flow deprives energy to the brain. That sets off a process that ultimately produces the sticky clumps of protein, which experts believe is a cause of Alzheimer's.

Robert Vassar and his colleagues say this finding could lead to strategies such as exercise, reducing cholesterol and managing blood pressure to prevent Alzheimer's.

Their findings are reported in the journal Neuron.

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