That’s pretty impressive.
The Cleveland Clinic-led study used health insurance claim data from more than 7.2 million people where records showed that claimants who took the medication were much less likely to develop Alzheimer’s over the next six years of follow-up than control patients who did not take it.
Although the study does not prove that Viagra (generically called sildenafil) reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s, the association does suggest that a closer look is warranted.
The drug works by inhibiting a protein called phosphodiesterase-5, which allows blood vessels to relax and widen to improve blood flow.
Phosphodiesterase’s also exist in the brain, and recent research indicates sildenafil may inhibit abnormal amyloid and tau protein buildup, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.
It’s also possible that the improved blood flow resulting from the drug may contribute to the benefits. In any event, the results look very promising.
Of course, virtually all of the participants observed in the study were men. Future randomized control trials to explore Viagra’s impact on Alzheimer’s risk would have to include men and women.
Instead of rushing out for some Viagra, look to protect your brain health through lifestyle measures like regular exercise, a healthy diet, and controlling chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
There has been a lot of exciting news recently regarding Alzheimer’s treatment, which is one of the largest non-pandemic related health concerns for the future. We’ll still see how all of these developments turn out, but as of now, your best bet is to practice a heart-healthy lifestyle. When do you that, your brain should follow.