A new study, conducted by researchers from the University of Oxford, found that Viagra (also called sildenafil) enhances the function of blood vessels in the brain in patients at risk of dementia.
The research team provided the study participants with Viagra (commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction), cilostazol (a similar drug), and a placebo, over a period of 3 weeks in a random order.
Researchers found that Viagra increases blood flow in both large and small cerebral vessels, and both Viagra and cilostazol reduce blood vessel resistance in the brain.
Viagra causes fewer side effects compared to cilostazol, especially with a lower incidence of diarrhea.
The team explained that the study may transform the treatment and prevention of vascular dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
Dr Alistair Webb, associate professor at the Wolfson Center for Stroke and Dementia Prevention in Oxford, said: “This is the first trial to show that sildenafil reaches the blood vessels in the brain in people with this condition, improving blood flow. This demonstrates the potential of this drug.” "A good, widely available method for dementia prevention, which needs to be tested in larger trials."
The researchers say that more larger trials are needed to confirm the results, and to explore the potential of sildenafil in preventing vascular dementia on a larger scale.
The study was published in the journal Circulation Research.
An informative study.
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