Medications for erection problems may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Scientists have now shown this in a new analysis, the results of which were published today in the journal “Neurology”.
The team led by study author Ruth Brauer from University College London examined data from around 270,000 men. Their average age at the start of the study was 59 years and they had recently been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. On the other hand, they took part
55 percent medication 45 percent no medication
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The participants were then observed for five years. While at the start of the study none of the participants had developed memory problems
749 Alzheimer’s who were taking medication (8.1 cases per 10,000 person-years) and 370 Alzheimer’s who were not taking medication (9.7 cases per 10,000 person-years).
Person-years represent both the number of study participants and the time each participant spends in the study.
Those who took medication had an 18 percent lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease
About the result: After the researchers took into account other factors that could affect Alzheimer’s rates, such as age, smoking status and alcohol consumption, they found: People who took medication to treat erectile dysfunction had an 18 percent lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who didn’t take medication. The connection was strongest among those who received the most prescriptions during the study period.
Important: The team notes that the study provides no evidence that erectile dysfunction drugs reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It simply shows a connection.
“Further research is needed to confirm these results, to learn more about the potential benefits and mechanisms of these drugs and to determine the optimal dosage,” emphasizes study leader Brauer. However, the results are “encouraging” and “justify further research”.
What independent experts say
The results are also encouraging because the development of new drugs against Alzheimer’s is very complex and expensive. “It can take many years,” explains Leah Mursaleen, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, to the British Science Media Center. “The ability to reuse drugs already approved for other health conditions could help accelerate progress and open up new ways to prevent or treat diseases that cause dementia.” However, she also emphasizes that the study is not yet proof of this represents a causal connection.
Tara Spiers-Jones, President of the British Neuroscience Association, also spoke positively about the results. “The study was well conducted and the authors exercised appropriate caution in interpreting the data,” she says. While the data did not conclusively prove that the drugs reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, “they provide good evidence that these types of drugs are worthy of further study in the future.”
How to prevent Alzheimer’s
We have put together twelve risk factors that everyone can pay attention to in order to prevent Alzheimer’s. These tips are taken from the brochure “Preventing Alzheimer’s – Living Healthily, Aging Healthily”, in which all points are explained in detail. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia.
1. Movement: What’s good for your heart is also good for your brain. This includes getting enough exercise – at least 2.5 hours per week is ideal.
2. Mental Fitness: Learn new things – even as you get older. This keeps your brain busy. Whether it’s a musical instrument, a language or using a computer, try something new.
3. Healthy diet: Follow the classic Mediterranean diet. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, olive oil and nuts. Choose fish over red meat.
4. Social contacts: Activities are more fun as a couple or in a group and your gray cells are challenged. Arrange to meet up to do sports, play music, play cards or cook together.
5. Reduce excess weight: Be careful not to weigh too many kilos. A healthy diet and regular exercise will help you with this.
6. Enough sleep: Make sure you get good, sufficient sleep so that the brain can break down harmful substances and recover.
7. Don’t smoke: Smoking also damages your brain. Stop smoking, it’s never too late.
8. Avoid Head Injuries: Take care of your head in everyday life and during sports and, for example, wear a helmet when riding a bike.
9. Check high blood pressure: Have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure should definitely be treated.
10. Check Diabetes: Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels. If it is permanently too high, you should take action in consultation with your doctor.
11. Treat Depression: Take good care of yourself. If you feel listless or depressed for a long period of time, it makes sense to see your doctor to clarify the cause. Depression should not go untreated.
12. Pay attention to hearing loss: Take it seriously if you notice that your hearing is getting worse. With a hearing aid you can easily correct declining hearing ability.