Can Viagra lower the risk of Alzheimer disease in men? Here is what the new study shows
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Erectile Dysfunction Drugs
A recent study suggests that medications commonly used for treating erectile dysfunction could potentially lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
The Link
Men prescribed drugs like Viagra showed an 18% lower likelihood of developing Alzheimer's later in life compared to those not taking such medication, according to research published in journal Neurology.
Association vs. Causation
While the study found an association between these drugs and reduced Alzheimer's risk, it does not conclusively prove that the drugs directly prevent the disease.
Need for Further Investigation
Lead author of the study, Dr. Ruth Brauer, emphasized the need for clinical trials to ascertain the true impact of these drugs on Alzheimer's risk, urging studies involving both men and women.
Study Details
The study examined over 2,60,000 men with erectile dysfunction but no memory issues, tracking their medical records for five years to monitor Alzheimer's cases.
Commonly Used Drugs
More than half of the participants were taking drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil (Viagra), avanafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil.
Mechanism of Action
These drugs target a substance called beta amyloid, believed to contribute to Alzheimer's development by accumulating in the brain.
Potential Treatment Implications
Researchers speculate that understanding how these drugs affect beta amyloid accumulation could lead to new approaches in Alzheimer's treatment.
Call for Further Research
While the study provides promising insights, experts stress the need for additional rigorous research to fully understand the impact of these drugs on brain health and Alzheimer's disease.