The Link Between Viagra and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common form of Dementia.

As per a study published in the journal Nature Aging, Viagra could be a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

This article discusses the link between Viagra and Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is a brain condition that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It could eventually affect a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks.

It is one of the most causes of Dementia. It is a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills.

The brain starts to shrink, and brain cells eventually die due to the disease.

There is no cure for AD. But the symptoms can be managed with the help of medications.

Symptoms

A common symptom of Alzheimer’s is memory loss. The condition is prevalent among people aged 65 or more.

Early symptoms may include difficulty remembering conversations or recent events. People with Alzheimer’s disease may easily forget things in the early stage.

However, in the later stages of the disorder, close friends and family may notice the problems.

People with the condition may

Repeat sentences and questions again and again.
Forget conversations, events, or appointments.
Misplace things and mostly keep them in places that don’t make sense.
Get lost in places they used to know well.
Forget names of family members and everyday objects over time.
Have difficulty finding the right words, expressing feelings, or participating in conversations.

AD can affect the moods and behavior of a person. They may start doubting others, lose interest in activities, or feel depressed.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can differ from person to person. It is not necessary for you to face any or all of these symptoms.

A number of conditions can lead to memory loss or other symptoms of dementia. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about your memory or other brain function.

Fact:

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition that does not have any cure as of now. Treatments for AD can only reduce its symptoms so far.

Viagra and Alzheimer’s

Viagra, containing Sildenafil, is an Erectile Dysfunction pill. It was the first FDA-approved oral treatment for ED.

Doctors may prescribe Viagra to men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB) if they have continuous trouble getting or maintaining a firm erection.

It helps treat erection problems by dilating the blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis.

There is no direct link between Viagra and Alzheimer’s. A recent study links Viagra and Alzheimer’s disease. The study suggests that Viagra could be a potential treatment for AD.

Warning

People taking blood pressure or heart medications should not take Viagra. Consult a doctor before taking any medication, as it can lead to extremely low blood pressure.

Viagra and Alzheimer’s study

Research by Cleveland Clinic’s Genome Institute identified Sildenafil as a candidate drug for Alzheimer’s disease.

The team analyzed data from more than 7000 people to determine if Sildenafil in Viagra reduced the risk of AD.

According to researchers, Sildenafil improved memory in a preclinical model of Alzheimer’s, and doctors may start to prescribe it for Dementia soon.

Here we will elaborate on the key points of the study, which established the link between Viagra and Alzheimer’s.

Examined more than 1000 FDA-approved drugs

The research involved studying 1600 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs. They tried to determine which of these drugs showed effectiveness against AD.

The team focused on drugs that target more than one protein. They focused on two proteins considered hallmarks of AD, Amyloid and Tau.

According to Feixiong Cheng, Ph.D., of Cleveland Clinic’s Genomic Medicine Institute, studies targeting any one protein failed in the past.

They tested a new theory that may provide better results against Alzheimer’s. The theory of dual targeting of Amyloid and Tau at the same time may be more effective.

According to Cheng, AD is a complex disease with several causes.

Multi-targeting or combination therapy may be more effective. This is because they target more than one disease pathway.

They identified Sildenafil as a potential treatment for AD through this theory.

Almost 70% of participants less likely to develop AD

The researchers found that 69% of people taking Viagra were less likely to develop AD.

Researchers further developed a lab model to examine the medication’s efficacy against AD.

The model showed that Sildenafil targeted Tau protein and increased brain cell growth.

It is vital to note that the study did not discover that how Sildenafil actually reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Limitations of the Viagra and Alzheimer’s study

Professor Tara Spires-Jones, University of Edinburgh, pointed out the limitations of the study.

According to her, the study uses a vast database but is still not free of limitations.

The data came from insurance claims which were not very detailed. They did not have information about other causes of AD, such as sex and risk genes – Professor Tara.

Cheng also suggested that the results of the study should be confirmed in clinical trials before it can be used as Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

The results of the NIH DREAM study contradict the findings of the study on Viagra and Alzheimer’s.

NIH researchers determined that Viagra (Sildenafil) and Cialis (Tadalafil) may not be suitable drug candidates for treating Dementia. Neither do they reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease or related Dementias.

To understand the working of Sildenafil, read the article– How Does Sildenafil Work: An Informational Guide for You.

Should I take Viagra for Alzheimer’s disease

Viagra is used for treating Erectile Dysfunction in men. You can use it to treat your erection problems.

But recent studies on Viagra suggest it could be more than just an ED pill.

According to research, it may be a potential treatment for Dementia or AD.

Researchers suggest that doctors may prescribe Viagra for Alzheimer’s soon. They may prescribe low-dose Viagra for Alzheimer’s initially.

But other studies contradict these findings.

Therefore, the use of Viagra as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is still controversial. Further research is needed on the matter to give a clear verdict.

Consult your doctor if you encounter symptoms of AD or face any problems. Do not use any medications without consulting your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Viagra slow down Alzheimer’s?

Viagra is an Erectile Dysfunction medicine. Not enough evidence suggests that Viagra can effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease.
It does not reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s or Dementia, according to the DREAM study.

How often should you take Viagra for Alzheimer’s?

Not enough evidence supports that Viagra can effectively treat Alzheimer’s.
Recent studies suggest that it may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. But, the results of different studies contradict each other.
Consult a doctor before taking Viagra for Alzheimer’s.

Who should avoid Viagra?

People with heart or liver problems should avoid taking Viagra.
Those recovering from a heart attack or stroke or taking Nitrates as medicines should also avoid the medication.

Is Erectile Dysfunction a symptom of Alzheimer’s?

In a 1990 study, more than 50 percent of the study participants who had Alzheimer’s disease experienced losing an erection.
The onset of ED was concurrent with Alzheimer’s.
This does not necessarily mean that ED is associated with Alzheimer’s. Consult a doctor to get a better understanding of your health.

Does Viagra increase blood flow to the brain?

Viagra helps treat erection problems by expanding blood vessels in the penile region.
But sometimes, it may affect blood vessels in the brain. This expansion of blood vessels may result in an increase in blood flow to the brain.

Citations:
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