A new study suggests Viagra may reduce Alzheimer’s risk. Learn more about its potential impact.
Taking medications like Viagra could potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by almost 20%.
A new report in the Journal of Neurology looked at the health outcomes of 269,725 men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, explaining that they had difficulty in producing or maintaining a satisfactory erection for sexual activity.
BBC explained in its analysis of the research that men who were prescribed drugs like Viagra had an 18% lower chance of developing dementia related to erectile dysfunction.
“We found evidence that the initiation of PDE5I was associated with a reduced risk of AD compared with non-users,” wrote the authors of the study. PDE5I stands for phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, the class of drugs that includes Viagra.
The blue pill found everywhere was originally not created for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Its active ingredient, sildenafil, was designed for the treatment of high blood pressure, as CNN has mentioned in its drug history.
However, “the discovery of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction was accidental, observed as a secondary effect during investigations into their efficacy for the treatment of high blood pressure and angina,” explained the National Library of Medicine.
But while men who have taken medications for erectile dysfunction may seemingly have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, it’s not clear why the authors of the report are being encouraged to investigate this issue further.
Related Post: What is Alzheimer’s Disease? Causes, Symptoms, Causes and Prevention.
“This study warrants further investigation into the pathophysiological actions of PDE5I and neuroprotection,” the report stated, emphasizing the need to include both men and women in future research.
“This treatment may directly affect neurons (if the drug can cross the blood-brain barrier) and increase blood flow, but both hypotheses need to be investigated,” Dr. Francesco Tamagnini, a neurophysiologist at the University of Reading, told BBC.
Mayo Clinic estimates that over 6.5 million people aged 65 and older in the United States suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, with over 70% of these patients being 75 years or older. Progressive brain deterioration dementia is the most common form of dementia.
Globally, an estimated 70% of 55 million people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The National Institute on Aging says this could be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors leading to age-related changes in the brain.
While there is no cure for this disease, a new drug, Leqembi, approved by the FDA last summer, promises to help reduce the progression of the disease – even if taken in its early stages.
Bill Dunn, MD, Director of the Office of Neuro Science in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said, “Alzheimer’s disease profoundly affects the lives of those who have it,” and [its] destructive effects ripple through their loved ones.”
As the lead author of the Neurology report, Dr. Ruth Brawer, told BBC about the potential effects of medications for erectile dysfunction on the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, “Further research is needed to confirm these findings, learn more about the possible benefits and mechanisms of action of these medications. Best dosage.
