New Study Suggests Viagra Could Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s
A recent study published in the journal Neurology has suggested that the erectile dysfunction drug sildenafil, more commonly known as Viagra, could potentially lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. While the findings are preliminary, they offer a potential new avenue for the treatment and prevention of the most widespread form of dementia.
Viagra, which was initially tested as a treatment for hypertension before being revealed to be more effective for erectile dysfunction, belongs to a group of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. These drugs work by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow, which could have potential benefits for the brain. Improved blood circulation in the brain could counteract the accumulation of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s, according to the study.
The research, conducted by a team of scientists from the University College London, analyzed the medical records of nearly 270,000 men in the United Kingdom with an average age of 59 and a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction between 2000 and 2017. The results showed that men prescribed erectile dysfunction drugs were 18% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who did not receive a prescription.
The study’s lead author, Ruth Brauer, emphasized the need for further research to confirm the results, better understand the potential benefits and mechanisms of action, and define the optimal dosage. She also highlighted the importance of conducting a randomized, controlled study involving both men and women to verify whether the observed data can be extended to women.
While the data does not establish a causal relationship between erectile dysfunction drugs and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s, the findings offer promising results that could justify further research to explore the potential repositioning of Viagra as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. As Brauer pointed out, despite some progress being made in recent years with the arrival of new treatments, there is still a desperate need for therapies capable of preventing or delaying the development of Alzheimer’s. If confirmed, the findings could provide a new path for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, offering hope for millions of individuals affected by the disease.