A recent study published in the American Academy of Neurology's journal Neurology suggests that erectile dysfunction drugs, such as Viagra, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study followed 269,725 men with an average age of 59 for five years, who had no previous diagnosis of dementia or cognitive confusion. Participants who were prescribed erectile dysfunction drugs were found to be 18% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's compared to those who were not prescribed these drugs.
The types of drugs used in the study are called phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), which are commonly used to treat hypertension and erectile dysfunction. The researchers believe that PDE5Is may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's by improving brain health through increased blood flow to the brain and reducing the energy consumed by neurons.
This study builds upon previous research that also found a potential link between erectile dysfunction drugs and a lower risk of Alzheimer's. A 2021 study backed by the National Institute of Aging found that Viagra was associated with a 69% lower risk of Alzheimer's in older men with diabetes or high blood pressure.
However, it's important to note that a separate study conducted by the National Institute of Health found no reduced risk of Alzheimer's or other dementia-related illnesses in a group of people treated with Viagra and Cialis compared to those treated with a different hypertension drug. The researchers of the Neurology study suggest that the discrepancy in results could be due to the short duration of the NIH study.
Alzheimer's disease affects millions of Americans, particularly those aged 65 and older. While there is currently no cure for the disease, there are FDA-approved treatments available for early- and middle-stage Alzheimer's. Additionally, other medications used to treat different illnesses, such as certain arthritis drugs and oral birth control, have also been found to potentially reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's.
In conclusion, the recent study suggests that erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra may have a potential role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between these drugs and Alzheimer's risk. The study highlights the need for more treatments that can prevent or delay the development of Alzheimer's, as the disease continues to affect millions of individuals.