Viagra May Prevent Dementia: Oxford Study (image-pixabay)
Sildenafil, popularly known as Viagra is a blue pill which was primarily used for treating men’s erectile dysfunction. New research has found its capability to prevent memory-related problems as well. The drug has the ability to enhance the blood flow to the brain and improve the function of blood vessels in individuals at high risk of vascular dementia.
The research was carried out by scientists at the University of Oxford. Vascular dementia is a condition that impacts cognitive functions, including judgment, memory and others. This is mainly due to the decrease in the blood flow that affects the blood tissue and damages it. The new research study will be a stepping stone in the fight against dementia.
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The increase in the blood flow in both large and small brain vessels after the intake of the drug was measured with the help of ultrasound and MRI scans. It also improves cerebrovascular function as it enhances the blood flow response to carbon dioxide.
Vascular dementia differs from Alzheimer’s disease, as the latter is caused by amyloid beta plaques blocking neuron connectivity. The former occurs due to the obstruction in blood vessels which leads to brain cell damage.
Dr. Praveen Gupta, principal director of neurology at Fortis Gurgaon, told TOI that these findings are crucial in developing treatment for dementia. However, larger studies are required to confirm sildenafil’s effectiveness before it can be adopted as a standard treatment.
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As per the study titled ‘Vascular cognitive impairment in India’, the burden of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia is substantial in India with about 5.3 million dementia patients, out of which 40% suffer from vascular dementia.
Dr Jitendra Nagpal, chairman of the Institute of Mental Health at Moolchand Hospital told the Economic Times the necessity of comprehensive multi-centric trials to validate the findings of the new research.
