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Alzheimer’s disease has affected millions of individuals around the world.
It gradually destroys cognition and memory.
This results in the inability to do even simple tasks.
Despite extensive research, there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Its treatment options are also limited.
As a result, researchers are exploring new treatments to manage the condition.
One such approach involves using Viagra, an Erectile Dysfunction (ED) medication.
Some researchers have claimed that Viagra may be effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
But it is crucial to determine the concrete validity of these claims.
So, this article will analyze the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and Viagra.
Also, it will examine the current state of research on this topic.
Table of Contents
What is Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that impairs memory, thinking, and behavior.
It involves changes in the brain that result in the deposition of certain proteins.
Alzheimer’s disease causes the brain to shrink and the eventual death of brain cells.
It is the most prevalent cause of Dementia in elderly people.
As per Mayoclinic, it has affected almost 6.5 million people in the United States alone.
There is no treatment to cure Alzheimer’s disease.
But some therapies can help control its symptoms and delay its course.
What is Viagra
Source: lurii-maksymivViagra is a medicine for treating Erectile Dysfunction in males.
It contains the active ingredient, Sildenafil, which is a PDE5 inhibitor.
It works by dilating the penile blood vessels. Thus, increasing blood flow to the penis.
As a result, enhanced blood flow helps get or maintain a firm erection.
Since Viagra (Sildenafil) is an ED treatment, how is it linked to Alzheimer’s disease?
Some researchers say that Viagra may offer potential benefits for Alzheimer’s disease.
Here, we will discuss all the research to understand the link between the two.
Recommended Read– Science Behind the Magic Pill: How Does Viagra Work
The link between Viagra and Alzheimer’s disease
Source: pixabayAs mentioned, Viagra (Sildenafil) increases blood flow to the penis and treats ED.
Some experts assumed that Viagra boosts blood flow. So, it may also impact blood circulation in
the brain.
This triggered the medical world to do Viagra and Alzheimer’s studies.
To establish a link between Viagra and Alzheimer’s, researchers have conducted various studies.
Still, the results have been inconclusive and contradictory.
- A study suggests those who used Sildenafil were 69% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who did not use the medication.
- Another study suggests that in a preclinical model of Alzheimer’s, Sildenafil improved memory.
- In contrast, as per an NIH DREAM study, Viagra does not reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Based on these findings, Tara Spires-Jones, Ph.D., said she would not approve of Sildenafil to treat Alzheimer’s.
She also added that neither any doctor would recommend Viagra for Alzheimer’s.
Viagra is a helpful medicine for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction.
There may be some theoretical concerns about Viagra’s potential link to Alzheimer’s disease.
Yet, there is no solid proof that Viagra can be a helpful treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
Further research is crucial to understand this relationship.
Can I use a Low dose of Viagra for Alzheimer’s
Neither a low dose nor a high dose of Viagra (Sildenafil) has the approval to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Sildenafil has approval only to treat Erectile Dysfunction and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
Despite this, researchers are exploring the possibility of repurposing Sildenafil for Alzheimer’s.
Some studies have shown that Sildenafil may improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease.
But the evidence is insufficient to support its usage for this purpose.
Thus, it is not advisable to use Viagra (Sildenafil) as a repurposed drug for Alzheimer’s.
Which medicines cure Alzheimer’s disease
No medicine can cure Alzheimer’s disease, but some can manage or slow down its symptoms.
As per NIH, Aducanumab is the only approved disease-modifying medicine for Alzheimer’s.
This medicine is a human antibody. It targets the protein beta-amyloid and reduces Alzheimer’s-related amyloid plaques.
Yet, it is effective only to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Cholinesterase inhibitors are also potent in treating mild to moderate Alzheimer’s.
To manage the symptoms of severe Alzheimer, a medicine known as Memantine is useful.
Memantine is an N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist.
It works by regulating glutamate activation, which is an important brain chemical.
Along with medications, cognitive exercises, and lifestyle changes are also necessary.
2. Repurposed drug: The repurposed drug is an existing FDA-approved drug that treats one condition and is discovered to have potential benefits for treating another disease.
3. Disease-modifying medicines: These types of medicines not only treat the disease’s symptoms but also try to slow down the disease’s progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Viagra good for Dementia?
As per NIH DREAM, Viagra does not reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and related Dementia. Thus, we cannot conclude whether Viagra is good for Dementia. Further research is necessary to make Viagra a standard treatment for Alzheimer’s.
Does Viagra slow down Alzheimer’s?
Studies that have shown Viagra slowing down Alzheimer’s disease are inconclusive. Thus, we cannot give any solid validation. Consult your doctor to get the appropriate medications for slowing down Alzheimer’s.
How often should you take Viagra for Alzheimer’s?
Viagra is not an approved medicine for Alzheimer’s disease. So, there is currently no dosing regimen for its use in this condition. If your doctors recommend using Viagra for Alzheimer’s, consult them for the dosage.
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