Using genetic and other biological data, researchers concluded that Viagra could prevent Alzheimer's through the sexual enhancer sildenafil. The new study results show that the active ingredient taken by patients has a 69%reduced risk of dementiais connected. In addition, laboratory tests on nerve cells from people with Alzheimer's support the assumption that sildenafil could provide a treatment option against dementia.
Clinical studies with the sexual enhancer Sildenafil are planned
The study authors emphasize that only clinical research can provide definitive proof that sildenafil is an effective treatment for Alzheimer's. Typically, doctors prescribe Viagra for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, which refers to high blood pressure in the lungs. However, human and animal studies have suggested that sildenafil may also treat Alzheimer's disease. To predict which existing drugs might offer new treatment options, the researchers used a computer model that incorporates data about the genetics of the disease and the networks of metabolic pathways involved. They focused primarily on interactions between proteins in networks that play a role in the formation of beta-amyloid and tau proteins. After several experiments, the sexual enhancer Sildenafil proved to be the most promising candidate. Finally, the researchers tested the drug in the laboratory on nerve cells derived from people with the disease.
The research team found that sildenafil promotes the growth of new nerve projections and reduces the accumulation of tau in cells. Scientists often use tau as a biomarker to measure disease progression in animal models and humans. However, the authors note that their study design cannot demonstrate a causal relationship between taking a specific drug and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. They believe their laboratory results support the conclusion that sildenafil could be a potential treatment. The resultsthis studytherefore warrant rigorous clinical research on the effectiveness of the drug in patients with Alzheimer's disease, including both genders. In addition, the authors plan to further verify the clinical benefit of sildenafil in patients with early-stage neurodegenerative disease.
