Viagra use Tied to 18% Lower Alzheimer’s Risk in Men

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors like Viagra are primarily recognized for their efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction. However, a study involving close to 270,000 men has contributed to the increasing evidence suggesting that these medications could also reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers from University College London (UCL) examined 269,725 male individuals in the UK, averaging 59 years old, without cognitive impairment, but diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. Over a five-year period, the participants were divided into two groups: those prescribed erectile dysfunction medications like sildenafil (Viagra) (accounting for 55% of the cohort) and those who did not undergo such treatment for their condition (comprising 45% of participants).

Examining Alzheimer’s Risk in Relation to Erectile Dysfunction Medication Usage

The study found that out of 1,119 participants diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, 749 were using erectile dysfunction medications, while 370 were not. However, when adjusted for person-years (reflecting both the number of individuals in the study and their duration of participation), the prevalence of Alzheimer’s was 8.1 cases per 10,000 person-years among those taking medication, compared to 9.7 cases per 10,000 person-years in those not using erectile dysfunction drugs.

After adjusting for factors like age, smoking, and alcohol consumption, the researchers observed an 18% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease among individuals taking medication.

Ruth Brauer, a study author from University College London, emphasized the need for treatments to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease progression, alongside the advancements in treatments targeting amyloid plaques. Brauer described the results as encouraging and deserving of further investigation.

Impact of Frequency of Medication Use and Age on Alzheimer’s Risk Reduction

Furthermore, the study indicated that the risk reduction was most significant among men who used the medication frequently, with 20 or more prescriptions during the study period. Additionally, the protective effect of the drugs appeared more pronounced in men aged 70 and older compared to those under 70.

While phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) had shown promise in animal studies, their effects in human populations have been inconclusive. Sildenafil, the first PDE5I, initially developed for hypertension and angina treatment, revolutionized erectile dysfunction therapy. Repurposed in 2005 for pulmonary arterial hypertension, sildenafil dilates blood vessels to enhance blood flow.

Research has also explored the potential of using sildenafil as a treatment for obesity and to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

Impact of Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5Is) on Brain Function and Alzheimer’s Disease

The drug’s mechanism of increasing blood flow may have implications for brain function by enhancing circulation, potentially preventing the accumulation of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Previous animal studies have shown that phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) also elevate levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is involved in memory, learning, and involuntary muscle movement, with low levels linked to Alzheimer’s.

Despite these promising findings, the researchers urge caution, considering this study as an initial step requiring further clinical investigation to fully comprehend how PDE5Is impact the brain. Previous research has faced skepticism, with experts highlighting lifestyle factors and other variables that can complicate interpretation in such studies.

Ruth Brauer stated, “More research is needed to validate these findings, understand the potential benefits and mechanisms of these drugs, and determine the optimal dosage. A randomized, controlled trial involving both male and female participants is necessary to assess whether these results apply to women as well.”

Read the original article on: New atlas

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