Viagra improves blood flow to brain, could help prevent dementia, finds new study

Sildenafil, popularly known by its brand name Viagra, is often associated with improving male sexual health. However, it may have more health benefits than originally thought. According to a new study by Oxford University, this "wonder drug" has the ability to enhance blood flow to the brain and improve the function of blood vessels in individuals at high risk of vascular dementia.

What is vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is a condition that affects cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning, planning, and judgment. This type of dementia occurs due to reduced blood supply to the brain, resulting in damage to brain tissue. The research conducted by scientists at the University of Oxford, the results of which appeared in the journal Circulation Research, represents a significant advancement in the battle against dementia.

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What the study found

The study found that sildenafil can increase blood flow in both large and small brain vessels, as measured by ultrasound and MRI scans. It enhanced the blood flow response to carbon dioxide, indicating improved cerebrovascular function. Additionally, sildenafil, along with cilostazol, lowered blood vessel resistance in the brain. However, sildenafil caused fewer side effects compared to cilostazol, particularly with less incidence of diarrhea.

Why this is important

This study highlights the potential of sildenafil to be repurposed for the treatment of vascular dementia, marking a potentially pivotal step in the fight against this debilitating condition.

"This is the first trial to show that sildenafil gets into the blood vessels in the brain in people with this condition, improving blood flow and how responsive these blood vessels are," said Dr. Alastair Webb, Associate Professor at the Wolfson Centre for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia at Oxford University.

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Original purpose of viagra

It is worth noting that the sildenafil compound was originally developed by Pfizer for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) and angina pectoris (chest pain due to heart disease). During clinical trials for heart conditions, researchers discovered that the drug was more effective at inducing erections than treating angina. The drug was launched commercially in 1998.

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