BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Helping a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s can be a challenge for everyone involved.

"We see a lot of caregivers that call, they're very stressed out. It can really impact their overall health and we see a lot of decline actually in the caregivers because it's very stressful and it really does involve the whole family," said Lisa Schuhle, Office for Aging Director.

To this day, the disease remains a mystery to medical professionals. But some clarity could be on the way.

Binghamton University Professor Ken McLeod is now linking low blood pressure to dementia. His research focuses on something called the "second heart."

When blood travels through the body, the muscles in your calves help push it back to the heart and brain. As these muscles age and weaken, so does the blood flow throughout the body.

"It's not getting back to your heart. If it's not getting back to your heart, your cardiac output drops. If your cardiac output drops, your blood pressure is going to drop," said Ken McLeod, System Science and Industrial Engineering Professor.

In his study, patients that saw a drop in blood pressure also saw a drop in cognitive function. He says activities like yoga and Tai chi could increase blood flow and even prevent the drop from happening.

"Now there's intervention. For the vast majority of people, we know how to get that blood pressure back up to normal, because it's usually an issue of fluid pulling," said McLeod.

Experts who work with seniors say it's important to ask for help early on.

"Don't let your guilt of being the only person who can care for that person stand in your way from reaching out and getting some support because you'll be a better caregiver for the one you're supporting. They'll be better off, you'll be better off," said Schuhle.

While the disease isn't curable, McLeod hopes his research could eventually save lives.

Medical professionals recommend checking your blood pressure frequently and keeping the second number at around 80.