Study Suggests Viagra May Hold Key to Lowering Alzheimer's Risk

In a surprising turn of events, researchers at University College London (UCL) have unearthed a potential ally in the fight against Alzheimer's disease: the well-known erectile dysfunction medication Viagra.

Can Viagra help prevent Alzheimer's?

Viagra is primarily used to help treat erectile dysfunction in men. However, animal studies, as well as the study mentioned above, suggest that this improved blood circulation in the brain might offer protection against Alzheimer's.

Examining the medical records of over 260,000 men with erectile dysfunction, the study revealed that those prescribed Viagra and similar medications showed an 18% lower likelihood of developing Alzheimer's in later years compared to those who did not use these drugs.

The impact was most pronounced among men with frequent prescriptions, showing a remarkable 44% reduction in Alzheimer's risk for those receiving 21 to 50 prescriptions of erectile dysfunction medication during the study period.

It's important to note that this study cannot conclusively determine whether Viagra directly guards against Alzheimer's or if men less susceptible to the condition are more inclined to use these medications.

What do experts think of the Alzheimer’s/Viagra study?

Dr. Ivan Koychev from the University of Oxford hailed the study's findings as a significant step in repurposing existing drugs to prevent dementia. However, he has urged caution about the challenges of conducting placebo-controlled trials given the distinctive effects of the drugs.

Dr. Leah Mursaleen, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, highlighted the potential of repurposing licensed drugs to expedite dementia research, emphasising the urgency of developing effective treatments.

Lead author Dr. Ruth Brauer emphasised the need for further investigation, stating, "We can't attribute causality to the drugs, but this discovery prompts us to explore future avenues." She advocates for clinical trials to assess the effects of these drugs on Alzheimer's risk in both men and women.

While the findings are intriguing, the study faces limitations due to the inability to account for variations in physical and sexual activity among participants, underscoring the complexity of Alzheimer's research.

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a medication primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition where men have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual activity. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by increasing blood flow to the penis when sexually stimulated. This improved blood flow helps men achieve and sustain an erection. Viagra is typically taken orally and is most effective when taken about 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. 

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, leading to cognitive decline and memory loss, according to the NHS. It is the most common cause of dementia, a term used to describe a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities that interfere with daily life.

While the study mentioned above presents promising insights, scepticism remains among some experts regarding the possibility of Viagra altering the trajectory of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Madhav Thambisetty from the US National Institute on Ageing has questioned whether drugs like sildenafil, which is the active ingredient in Viagra, taken on an as-needed basis, could provide sustained effects on a chronic neurodegenerative condition like Alzheimer's.

As researchers delve deeper into the relationship between erectile dysfunction medications and Alzheimer's risk, the study opens up new avenues for exploring innovative approaches to combatting this debilitating disease.

Sources

• UK Meds - Men's Health: Erectile Dysfunction

• UK Meds - Viagra (Sildenafil)

• UCL - Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Linked to Reduced Alzheimer's Risk

• University of Oxford - Ivan Koychev

• Alzheimer's Research UK

• NHS - Alzheimer's Disease