In a groundbreaking study published this year, 2024, in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, researchers have presented compelling evidence that sildenafil, commonly known by its brand name Viagra and used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, may also offer protective benefits against Alzheimer’s disease. Spearheaded by Feixiong Cheng, PhD, director of the Cleveland Clinic Genome Center, the study leverages extensive real-world patient data analysis alongside advanced mechanistic studies to suggest a new potential use for this well-known medication. This is a link that many have spoken about but few evidence has been shown... until now.
The study meticulously analyzed patient data from two significant databases, the MarketScan Medicare Supplemental database spanning from 2012 to 2017 and the Clinformatics database from 2007 to 2020. By employing propensity score-stratified analyses, which were carefully adjusted for gender, age, race, and existing comorbidities, the researchers sought to understand the impact of sildenafil use on Alzheimer's prevalence and incidence.
Their findings were revealing. Patients who took sildenafil exhibited a 30% to 54% reduced prevalence of Alzheimer's disease compared to those who did not use the drug, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Specifically, sildenafil use was associated with a 54% reduced incidence of AD in the MarketScan database and a 30% reduced prevalence of AD in the Clinformatics database when compared with users of spironolactone, one of the control drugs studied.
To delve deeper into the potential mechanisms behind sildenafil's protective effects against Alzheimer's, the team conducted experiments on neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) of AD patients. These cells, both from familial and sporadic cases of Alzheimer's, showed a significant reduction in tau hyperphosphorylation—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s pathology—when treated with sildenafil in a dose-dependent manner.
Further bolstering their hypothesis, RNA-sequencing data analysis of these sildenafil-treated neurons revealed that the drug specifically targets genes and pathobiological pathways associated with Alzheimer's, providing a mechanistic basis for its beneficial effects.
While previous studies have hinted at the potential protective effects of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), such as sildenafil, on Alzheimer's risk, the research community has seen some debate, highlighted by a study in Brain Communications in late 2022 that found no link between ED medications and reduced Alzheimer's risk. Despite these conflicting reports, the comprehensive approach and findings of the current study add significant weight to the argument for repurposing sildenafil as a treatment option for Alzheimer's.
Dr. Cheng's team utilized artificial intelligence to integrate data across multiple domains, underscoring sildenafil's promise against this devastating neurological disease. "Our findings provide further weight to repurposing this existing FDA-approved drug as a novel treatment for Alzheimer's, which is in great need of new therapies," stated Cheng in a recent news release.
With these promising results, the research team believes there is a strong case for conducting clinical trials to further explore sildenafil's effectiveness in patients with Alzheimer's disease. As the global community continues to seek new therapies for Alzheimer’s—a disease that affects millions worldwide—the potential repurposing of sildenafil represents a hopeful avenue of investigation, potentially offering a new beacon of hope for patients and their families.
This Study May One Day Help Treat Chronic Stress And PTSD
A recently discovered protein in the brain (p11) can be linked to both depression and stress and has the potential to help future treatments
New Study: There is a Sure Way to Slow Aging
This new study confirms what has long been suspected: The less calories we consume, the slower we age.
Breakthrough: Lion's Mane Mushrooms Boost Memory & Nerves!
Researchers have recently uncovered the mushroom's potent compounds, particularly hericene A, that could help nerve cells grow and better interact with each other.
Would You Go Into Hibernation if You Could?
What can we learn and earn if we humans learn to hibernate one day?
Can Probiotics Improve Mental Health? Research Says YES
Studies repeatedly show that probiotics can be a potentially effective treatment for several mental health issues. This is what is currently known on the topic.
This Study Shows Where People Need to Be Touched
Touching is vital for human development in children, and it's also vital for the strength of familial and romantic relationships. Learn more here.
Constantly Clearing Your Throat? Try These Remedies
Frustrated with constant throat clearing? Try these remedies.
Remove Age Spots Easily with Two Simple Ingredients...
Got age spots? Here's how to remove them easily.
Relieve Pain in the Feet and Heels in Just a Few Minutes!
Do you experience frequent pain at the bottom of the feet? If so, check out these simple exercises for instant relief!
Ear Check: How Old is Your Hearing?
Try this handy and quick hearing test to see if your hearing is impaired, old for your age or younger than you!
This 92-Year-Old Fitness Instructor Enlivens our Spirits!
She is 92, but fitness is her life!
3 Easy Exercises to Alleviate Light-Headedness
If you're feeling dizzy or out of balance, these three exercises will help alleviate your symptoms.
What Causes Constipation? Find Out Here...
What's behind constipation? This informative TED-Ed video sheds some light on the matter!
Having Leg Cramps at Night? Then You Need to Know This
Night leg cramps beyond annoying: they can interfere with sleep and life quality. Here's everything you need to know about night leg cramps.
Doctors Explain: 2 Powerful Tools in Dealing With Anxiety
A renowned doctor equips you with not one, but two phenomenal tools to effectively manage and control your stress.
How to Effectively Improve Leg Circulation by About 75%
Here’s how you can improve blood circulation in your legs and feet effectively.
Nothing Helps Your Migraine? Try This Yoga Practice
This easy restorative yoga practice focuses on pranayama breathing and can help reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of headaches and migraines
Think Over-the-Counter Medications Are Safe? Think Again!
It's easy to think over the counter drugs are harmless, but you better read this before purchasing! Let's look at the dangers of taking over-the-counter drugs and how they can be avoided.
Alleviate Your Sciatica Symptoms Using 6 Simple Exercises
Sciatica can be horrendously painful, but there are numerous exercises you can do in order to alleviate your symptoms. Try the 6 I'm about to show you.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Healthy Tropical Fruits
Learn about eight easy-to-come-by tropical fruit that are both delicious and oh-so-healthy for you!
10 Healing Scents That Can Do Wonders for Body and Mind
Smell evokes memories and happy memories but there’s more to scent than nostalgia. Smell offers many benefits for your body and mind.
Full Documentary: What Does It Mean to Be Morbidly Obese?
Looking into the life of an obese person from both a medical and psychological point of view, this video isn't one to miss!
The Truth About the Medical Secrets of Amazon Tribes...
Mark Plotkin spent years among the tribes of the Amazon and he has some fascinating secrets to share.
Struggling With Obesity? These Exercises Can Help a Lot
Struggling with obesity? Doing these exercises can change your life for the better.
If You Eat These 9 Fish Regularly, You Should Stop!
We are always told how fish is healthy, but there are actually some types of fish that'll do more harm than good. Here are nine of them!
Chair Yoga: a Complete At Home Video Practice
This is a complete 17-minute beginner friendly yoga sequence suitable for all ages you can do on your chair.
25 Things About the Human Eye That Will Surprise You
Ophthalmologist Ashley Brissette, MD answers common eye-related questions for you.
MUST WATCH: Full-Body Chair Workout Guide for Seniors
This full chair workout for seniors covers every area of your body!
Ever Heard of Sorghum? Hint: it's Something You Eat
In this article, we will learn about sorghum, an ancient wild grain compatible with gluten-free and diabetic diets.
Hemorrhoids: How to Treat Them the Natural Way
In this article you will find out what are the causes of the problem, what are its symptoms, how to alleviate it in natural ways as well as other ways to deal with its symptoms.
Here's How to Clear a Stuffy Nose Instantly
There are some truly bizarre methods for clearing a stuffy nose out there, but they really seem to do the trick. Learn these methods today.
Suffer From Dizziness? These Home Remedies Will Help...
We all experience dizziness from time to time. These home remedies will help alleviate the symptoms.
I Never Knew That Cassia Cinnamon Is Poisonous!
Not all cinnamon is good for you. Shockingly, most of the cheap cinnamon, cassia, can cause liver damage. Here's how to avoid it.
Here's a Quick Guide to Instantly Clearing a Blocked Nose
Got a congested nose? Remember these priceless tricks and thank us later!
This is the Most Effective Way to Remove Ear Wax at Home
Remove earwax at home with this effective hack.
What Happens When You Quit Sugar? You'll Be Surprised!
What happens to your body when you quit sugar? Find out!
Doctor Tip: The Benefits and the Myths of Probiotics
In this video, a doctor explains all about probiotics, facts and myths.
If Your Feet Hurt, Then You Should Really Try This...
Want to banish plantar fasciitis for good? Here are some exercises that you simply must try!
7 Things Stress Does to Everybody, Without Exception
Stress is one of the biggest problems we have to deal with in modern life. Here are 7 recent conclusions about stress you should know about.
Yoga for Chronic Pain: Gentle Practice to Soothe and Calm
25 minute yoga tutorial you can follow from home that will help you function better on the day to day if you are suffering from chronic pain
What is a Normal Heartbeat, and and Why Does it Change?
What is a normal heartbeat? And do we get the same speed over all our life time? This video is about to give you those answers, and more...
Is Breakfast REALLY the Most Important Meal?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - truth or myth? Watch to find out what happens to your body when you stop eating breakfast for two weeks.
10 Most Frequent Misdiagnoses Made by Doctors
In the US, 1 out of every 20 adults are misdiagnosed. Here are 10 conditions that are commonly missed or mistaken for something else!
10 Recipes for Health Boosting, Natural Smoothies
Learn easy recipes for super-healthy smoothies you can whip out in no time.
3 Ways to Self Pop Your WHOLE BACK for Instant Pain Relief
Learn how to pop your own back for instant pain relief.
How to Fix Your Sleep Schedule – Science-Backed Facts
Find out how your circadian system functions as an internal clock to keep your body running.
The Complete Map to Our Most Important Pressure Points!
According to ancient oriental beliefs, every organ in the human body has a representative pressure point in the hand and the foot. Find out all about them here.