A new study provides evidence that sildenafil (Viagra), used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease. This large analysis of patient data showed a prevalence reduction of Alzheimer’s disease by 30%-54% in patients who took sildenafil (Viagra) compared to those who did not, after adjusting for other potential causes.
Other studies have suggested that there are lower neurotoxin levels in brain cells exposed to drugs in the same class as Viagra (phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors). The study was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Before you get too, umm, excited, be aware that this research is contradicted by another 2022 paper in Brain Communications which showed no link between ED meds and reduced Alzheimer’s disease risk. This is one of those growing areas in medical research that many of us will watch with interest.
