Aimee Walker
Viagra could ‘cut the risk’ of having Alzheimer’s by ‘up to two thirds,’ according to a new study.
Researchers at the Genomic Medicine Institute at Cleveland Clinic have found that the drug can help boost brain health and cut levels of toxic proteins, which can trigger dementia.
Lead researcher Dr Feixiong Cheng explained: “Sildenafil, [Viagra] which has been shown to significantly improve cognition and memory in preclinical models, presented as the best drug candidate.
Find out how taking Viagra could ‘cut the risk’ of having Alzheimer’s in the clip below…
“Sildenafil may have neuroprotective effects and reduce levels of toxic tau proteins.
“Around 850,000 Brits currently have the brain-wasting disease – and the figure is expected to hit one million within a decade.”
The project analysed 7.2million US adults and found that regular users of the drug had a 69 percent lower chance of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s over the next six years.
A fresh study is now being planned to test the benefits of Viagra in early Alzheimer’s patients.
Dr Jack Auty, a lecturer in the medical sciences at the University of Tasmania, branded the development ‘exciting stuff’.
“But we need further research,” he commented. “In the field of Alzheimer’s disease research, we have been excited by many drugs over the years, only to have our hopes dashed in clinical trials.”
Scientists Give Update On How Soon Male Contraceptive Pill Will Be Available
However, Dr Susan Kohlhaas, from Alzheimer’s Research UK, has urged caution over the new findings.
She stated: “While sildenafil is most well-known as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, it’s also used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs.
“In this study, researchers also found that its use is linked with fewer cases of Alzheimer’s disease in American adults.
“The researchers conducted lab-based experiments to give an indication as to why the drug may have an impact [on] diseases like Alzheimer’s, but these early stage experiments would need follow-up in more thorough tests.”
Watch our Video of the Day below…
Do you have a story for us? If so, email us at [email protected]. All contact will be treated in confidence.
