Scientists say Viagra can help prevent dementia by increasing blood flow to the brain.
The erectile dysfunction drug sildenafil, the active ingredient in medications like Viagra, helps men maintain erections by increasing blood flow to the penis.
But the ingredient may also improve brain function by having a similar effect on the organ’s blood vessels, a study from the University of Oxford suggests.
This discovery could provide a new therapy for the estimated 180,000 Britons living with vascular dementia, caused by restricted blood flow to the brain.
Confusion, trouble concentrating, and difficulty maintaining balance are telltale signs of this condition, according to the National Health Service.
Sildenafil packets cost just £15, meaning it could prove to be a cheap way to help treat the condition.
The erectile dysfunction drug that improves blood flow in men also improves the function of blood vessels in the brain.
Vascular dementia affects around 180,000 people in the UK and feeling confused, having trouble concentrating and having difficulty maintaining balance are telltale signs of the disease.
Dr Alastair Webb, a neurologist and author of the study at Oxford, said its findings represented a world first.
“This is the first trial to show that sildenafil reaches the blood vessels in the brain of people with this condition, improving blood flow and the response of these blood vessels,” he said.
He added: “These two key factors are associated with chronic damage to the small blood vessels in the brain, which is the most common cause of vascular dementia.”
“This demonstrates the potential of this well-tolerated and widely available drug to prevent dementia, which needs testing in larger trials.”
The study published in Circulation investigationThe study involved 75 participants who had suffered a minor stroke and showed signs of mild to moderate small vessel disease, which is an early sign of vascular dementia.
All trial participants received sildenafil, a placebo, and cilostazol, a drug designed to improve circulation, for three-week periods in random order.
Research has suggested that Viagra can treat heart conditions, speed recovery from jet lag, and even make the treatment of some cancers more effective.
Researchers found that Viagra increased blood flow in large and small vessels of the brain, and tests suggested it improved cerebrovascular function.
Additionally, Viagra caused fewer side effects compared to cilostazol among patients, particularly with less incidence of diarrhea.
Professor Peter Rothwell, a neurology expert also from Oxford but not involved in the study, said: “Professor Webb’s findings are very encouraging and highlight the potential to prevent vascular dementia using existing drugs that target the underlying reduction in blood flow. in small blood vessels. in the brain.’
Scientists have been exploring other applications of sildenafil beyond simply boosting romantic encounters.
While vascular dementia is one of the leading causes of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause.
But there is some evidence that sildenafil can help combat this as well.
Researchers from University College London examined 269,725 men, average age 59, who had been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction but did not have memory or thinking problems.
The study, published in the journal Neurology This year, it revealed that 9.7 out of every 10,000 men who were not taking sildenafil or similar erectile dysfunction drugs developed Alzheimer’s.
But the rate was only 8.1 per 10,000 among those who did use those pills.
Other studies have touted the little blue pill as a potential treatment for heart conditions, jet lag, and even as a way to make treatment for some cancers more effective.
Although the pills have many benefits, popular erection medications such as Viagra and Cialis have been linked to more than 200 deaths in Britain.
This map shows the areas where people were most and least likely to be prescribed sildenafil, the key ingredient in the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra on the NHS.
None of the deaths (all occurring since 1998) have been directly caused by drugs. But the UK’s drug watchdog is aware of the link.
Reported suspected side effects are recorded under the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) ‘Yellow Card’ scheme.
Records show that people in their 60s accounted for the largest number of deaths (66), almost a third of the total.
However, experts insist that it is safe to take erectile dysfunction drugs and suggested that many of the incidents could link the deaths to sex in men with heart problems.
Men can buy sildenafil, the main ingredient in Viagra, and other impotence pills over the counter for as little as £15, with tablets available online for as little as £1.30 per pill.
WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
Dementia is a general term used to describe a variety of neurological disorders.
A GLOBAL CONCERN
Dementia is a general term used to describe a variety of progressive neurological disorders (those affecting the brain) that affect memory, thinking and behavior.
There are many types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Some people may have a combination of different types of dementia.
Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience dementia in their own way.
Dementia is a global concern, but is seen more frequently in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live to a very old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?
The Alzheimer’s Society reports that there are currently more than 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to increase to 1.6 million by 2040.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 percent of those diagnosed.
In the United States, there are an estimated 5.5 million Alzheimer’s patients. A similar percentage increase is expected in the coming years.
As a person’s age increases, their risk of developing dementia also increases.
Diagnosis rates are improving, but it is believed that many people with dementia are still undiagnosed.
IS THERE A CURE?
There is currently no cure for dementia.
But new medications can slow its progression and the earlier it is detected, the more effective the treatments can be.
Source: Alzheimer’s Society