New research has suggested that the flow of blood to the brain may be beneficial to the functioning of the organ.

Such research could lead to a breakthrough in treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis due to their relationship with blood vessels in the brain, in news that may of interest to older people.

The research was carried out on the sensory homunculus, which affects body parts including fingers, toes legs and arms.

It was indicated that when more blood flowed to an area in the region that corresponded to the fingertip, participants' fingers became more sensitive.

Dr Christopher Moore, researcher at the McGovern institute for brain research, said that many people believe the symptoms of such diseases are a consequence of neuron damage.

"But we think they may also be a causative factor in the disease process and that insight suggests entirely new treatments," he said.

Scientists at Stanford University recently announced the development of a test that identifies changes in blood plasma that may provide a step towards predicting peoples' chances of developing Alzheimer's.