When the brain doesn't get enough blood flow, the cells don't get enough sugar and that can be the start of Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers from Northwestern University.

One thing that can starve the brain slowly over time, according to a news release, is when cardiovascular disease restricts blood flow in major arteries.

Lead author Robert Vassar said that allows a protein to form sticky clumps that cause Alzheimer's disease.

"This finding is significant because it suggests that improving blood flow to the brain might be an effective therapeutic approach to prevent or treat Alzheimer's (disease)," said Vassar. Exercise, reducing cholesterol and treating high blood pressure can improve blood flow.

Drugs that open up blood vessels could also help, he said.

An estimated 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's disease in their lifetime, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The disease usually begins after age 60, and risk rises with age. The direct and indirect cost of Alzheimer's (disease) and other dementias is about $148 billion a year.

The study is published in the Dec. 26 issue of the journal Neuron.