VIAGRA could help prevent dementia, new research suggests.
An Oxford University study found that the drug, also called sildenafil, improves the function of brain blood vessels in patients at increased risk of the disease.
Experts say the research could have the potential to transform the treatment and prevention of vascular dementia – caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, which currently lacks targeted therapies.
Alastair Webb, associate professor at the Wolfson Center for Stroke and Dementia Prevention in Oxford, said: “This is the first trial to show that sildenafil enters the blood vessels of the brain in people with this condition, improving blood flow and how responsive these blood vessels are.
“These two main factors are associated with chronic damage to the small blood vessels in the brain, which is the most common cause of vascular dementia.
“This demonstrates the potential of this well-tolerated and widely available medicine to prevent dementia, which requires testing in larger trials.”
The study, published in Circulation Surveyinvolved 75 people who suffered a mild stroke.
They showed signs of mild to moderate small vessel disease.
All received Viagra – commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction – a placebo, and cilostazol (a similar medication) over three-week periods in random order.
Researchers found that Viagra increased blood flow in large and small brain vessels.
Both Viagra and cilostazol reduced the resistance of blood vessels in the brain.
Furthermore, Viagra caused fewer side effects compared to cilostazol, particularly less diarrhea.
The researchers said their findings marked a “potentially crucial step in the fight against this debilitating condition”.
But more, larger trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore sildenafil’s potential for preventing vascular dementia on a broader scale, they added.
The research was funded by the Wellcome Trust and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Almost a million people live with dementia in the UK.
This number is expected to increase to 1.4 million by 2040.
Who can take sildenafil?
Sildenafil has been sold over the counter in the UK since 2018.
Men over the age of 18 can take it for erectile dysfunction, although adults and children over the age of one can take it for pulmonary hypertension.
You should speak to your doctor before taking the pill if:
- Have you ever had an allergic reaction to sildenafil or any other medicine
- Are taking medicines called nitrates for chest pain (angina)
- Have a serious heart or liver problem
- You have recently had a stroke, heart attack or heart problem – your doctor should carefully check whether your heart can handle the extra strain of having sex
- Have low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Have a rare inherited eye disease, such as retinitis pigmentosa
- You have sickle cell anemia (an abnormality in red blood cells), leukemia (blood cell cancer) or multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer)
- Have a deformity of the penis or Peyronie’s disease (curved penis)
- Have a stomach ulcer
- Have a bleeding problem such as hemophilia
Source: National Health Service
Chronic damage to the brain’s small blood vessels is not only the leading cause of vascular dementia, but also contributes to 30% of strokes and 80% of brain hemorrhages.
High blood pressure, reduced blood flow to the brain, and compromised blood vessel function worsen these conditions, making this study’s findings “particularly crucial.”
Professor Peter Rothwell, founding director of the Wolfson Center for Stroke and Dementia Prevention, said: “Professor Webb’s findings are very encouraging and highlight the potential for preventing vascular dementia using existing medicines that target the underlying reduction of flow in small vessels. blood in the brain.”
Previous research has shown that Viagra can help shrink cancerous tumors, reduce altitude sickness, treat pulmonary hypertension, and improve stroke recovery.
Other studies have found that it makes it easier for people with enlarged prostates to pee and helps travelers overcome jet lag.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story