A recent study suggests that men who use medications for erectile dysfunction, such as Viagra, may experience a potential reduction in their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Conducted on over 260,000 men, the research indicates that those using these medications were 18% less likely to develop the dementia-causing condition. However, it’s crucial to note that further research is required to establish a conclusive link between the drugs and the observed effect.
While promising Alzheimer’s drugs targeting beta-amyloid build-up show significant potential, scientists are actively exploring existing medications, like Viagra, to determine their preventive or delaying effects on the disease.
Originally designed to treat conditions like high blood pressure and angina, drugs for erectile dysfunction influence cell-signalling messengers potentially linked to memory. Animal research suggests these drugs may also have a protective impact on the brain.
The study, published in Neurology by researchers from University College London, examined prescription records of men with erectile dysfunction. Over five years, the group prescribed these drugs had 8.1 Alzheimer’s cases per 10,000 person years, compared to 9.7 cases in the non-user group. Higher prescription frequency correlated with a lower Alzheimer’s risk, indicating a potential cumulative effect with regular drug use.
Lead author Dr. Ruth Brauer emphasized the need for additional research to confirm these findings, understand potential benefits and mechanisms, and determine optimal dosage. Future trials, including women, are also being considered.
The study adjusted for various factors like age, underlying health conditions, medications, and smoking. While not conclusive, the findings provide compelling evidence for further exploration, according to Prof Tara Spires-Jones, President of the British Neuroscience Association.
Dr. Francesco Tamagnini, a neurophysiologist at the University of Reading, commended the study but stressed the necessity for more concrete evidence on how these drugs affect the brain. He suggested testing hypotheses, including the drug’s direct impact on neurons and its potential to increase blood flow, to gain a deeper understanding.
