Viagra Shows Promise to Treat This Brutal Disease

Scientists have made an interesting discovery about a common ED drug. Viagra has the potential to protect people from the devastating brain-wasting disease, Alzheimer’s. They also looked at two other treatment for other conditions that also show promise. Alzheimer’s is caused by genetic and environmental factors.

Viagra

Viagra, generically known as sildenafil in scientific circles, relaxes blood vessels, which is commonly used to promote erections. Research out of the Cleveland Clinic shows that it can also reduce the toxic accumulation of the tau proteins that are often found in the brain of people with Alzheimer’s. A newer study published in the Alzheimer’s Research Therapy journal also shows that repurposing drugs like Viagra can benefit people at risk for this disease.

The Shingles Vaccine

Even more promising than Viagra is the shingles vaccine. Studies suggest that the vaccine boosts the immune system, not only to prevent the itchy and painful shingles, but can also protect against Alzheimer’s, according to findings from The University of Oxford. Researchers found a 37 percent reduction in dementia risk after receiving both doses of the vaccine.

The findings suggest that certain vaccines “protect against dementia through mechanisms unrelated to (or at least in addition to) the prevention of their [target virus], write the study authors, led by psychiatrist Maxime Taquet from the University of Oxford.

ALS Drug

Riluzole, a drug to help manage symptoms of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is also being investigated as a treatment for Alzheimer’s to slow the progression of cognitive decline or dementia. Clinical trials show that six months of treatment with riluzole or troriluzole slowed cognitive decline in people who took the medication.

Repurposing existing drugs is a great way to save money on research. Bringing a new drug to market can cost millions in research, development, testing, and FDA approval.