Unexpected discovery: Viagra may reduce risk for Alzheimer's disease
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Who could’ve guessed that a drug best known for treating an entirely different problem could have a place in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease?
Yet according to a recent study published in the journal Age and Ageing, this little pill may play a huge role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's by a whopping 60 per cent.
The study involved observing 27,000 participants aged 65 and over who were given low doses of the drug sildenafil—better known by its brand name Viagra.
It compared the results of those who had been given Viagra and those who had not taken the drug. The research was done at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York.
The little blue pill works by chemically blocking an enzyme located in the brain that forms a mass, a tell-tale sign of Alzheimer's disease. Viagra also helps improve blood supply, which is thought to boost brain health.
The risk was found to be lower by 62 per cent of males and 47 per cent of females who took the pills.
'We found sildenafil was significantly associated with a 60 per cent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease,' said co-author Xingyue Huo.
According to Healthdirect, about 7 in 10 people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.
This disease affects 1 in 10 Australians over 65 years of age. This number goes up to 3 in 10 Australians over 85 years.
While this new research appears to be encouraging, it is important to note that the sample population consisted mainly of participants in the US, meaning further clinical research is still needed to better understand the relationship between sildenafil and Alzheimer’s.
Moreover, the potential health risks associated with taking Viagra remain a serious concern. Just recently, a 32-year-old man suffered severe eye damage and lost sight in his right eye after taking a bumper dose of Viagra.
Despite the efforts to restore the man’s vision, the damage became too extensive and he has now lost all vision in the affected eye.
As sildenafil is known to combat impotence by boosting the blood flow through relaxing blood vessels in the penis, this effect could, in some circumstances, inadvertently harm other sensitive blood vessels in the body such as those in the eyes.
In other news, building lean muscle during your workouts may greatly enhance your efforts in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's.
Studies conducted by scientists from the University of California San Francisco have found that developing lean muscle might just be the ticket to evading, or at least delaying, the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
According to the research, those who can boast of higher, lifelong levels of lean muscle mass might witness a staggering 12 per cent reduction in their risk of getting Alzheimer's.
You can read more about this discovery here.
Members, this is a friendly reminder to consult your doctor before starting any new medication.
So, what are your thoughts on the results of this study? Share them with us in the comments below!
Yet according to a recent study published in the journal Age and Ageing, this little pill may play a huge role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's by a whopping 60 per cent.
The study involved observing 27,000 participants aged 65 and over who were given low doses of the drug sildenafil—better known by its brand name Viagra.
It compared the results of those who had been given Viagra and those who had not taken the drug. The research was done at Mount Sinai Medical Centre in New York.
Viagra was discovered to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s by 60 per cent. Image source: Flickr.
The little blue pill works by chemically blocking an enzyme located in the brain that forms a mass, a tell-tale sign of Alzheimer's disease. Viagra also helps improve blood supply, which is thought to boost brain health.
The risk was found to be lower by 62 per cent of males and 47 per cent of females who took the pills.
'We found sildenafil was significantly associated with a 60 per cent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease,' said co-author Xingyue Huo.
According to Healthdirect, about 7 in 10 people with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease.
This disease affects 1 in 10 Australians over 65 years of age. This number goes up to 3 in 10 Australians over 85 years.
While this new research appears to be encouraging, it is important to note that the sample population consisted mainly of participants in the US, meaning further clinical research is still needed to better understand the relationship between sildenafil and Alzheimer’s.
Moreover, the potential health risks associated with taking Viagra remain a serious concern. Just recently, a 32-year-old man suffered severe eye damage and lost sight in his right eye after taking a bumper dose of Viagra.
Despite the efforts to restore the man’s vision, the damage became too extensive and he has now lost all vision in the affected eye.
As sildenafil is known to combat impotence by boosting the blood flow through relaxing blood vessels in the penis, this effect could, in some circumstances, inadvertently harm other sensitive blood vessels in the body such as those in the eyes.
In other news, building lean muscle during your workouts may greatly enhance your efforts in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's.
Studies conducted by scientists from the University of California San Francisco have found that developing lean muscle might just be the ticket to evading, or at least delaying, the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
According to the research, those who can boast of higher, lifelong levels of lean muscle mass might witness a staggering 12 per cent reduction in their risk of getting Alzheimer's.
You can read more about this discovery here.
Members, this is a friendly reminder to consult your doctor before starting any new medication.
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