Mind over Matter: How Viagra may enhance mental abilities
Researchers at Oxford University discovered that Viagra, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in males, may actually aid to boost brain blood flow, which would enhance cognitive performance. It has the potential to prevent vascular dementia in high-risk individuals in addition to increasing cognitive function.read on for more
An Oxford research discovered that among those at high risk of vascular dementia, Viagra can help blood arteries work better and increase blood flow to the brain. AFP
According to a recent study, the small blue tablets that contain sildenafil—better known by its trade name, Viagra—may offer advantages beyond helping men with erectile dysfunction.
Oxford University researchers have reported unexpected, novel results that imply Viagra increases cerebral blood flow, which may enhance cognitive performance and aid in the prevention of memory-related issues like vascular dementia.
The research results, which were released in the journal Circulation Research, mark a major breakthrough in the fight against vascular dementia. According to Dr. Praveen Gupta, principal director of neurology at Fortis Gurugram, it may mark a turning point for the illness, for which there is currently no known treatment (The Times of India, TOI).
What ailment would it be able to prevent, and how? Let’s explore the specifics.
Vascular dementia: what is it?
Vascular dementia, according to Johns Hopkins, has a major negative influence on cognitive abilities including memory, thinking, planning, and judgment. Reduced blood supply to the brain causes damage to the parenchyma, the brain’s functioning tissue, which is the cause of this type of dementia.
According to the Mayo Clinic, strokes—no matter how big or small—can seriously harm brain cells and accelerate the onset of vascular dementia. Atherosclerosis, which hardens arteries and lowers blood flow, and high blood pressure-related brain hemorrhages are other contributing causes.
According to a study conducted at Oxford, vascular dementia is mostly caused by long-term damage to the brain’s tiny blood arteries. In addition, 80 percent of brain hemorrhages and 30 percent of strokes are caused by this injury.
Senior psychiatrist Dr. Rajeev Mehta of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told TOI, “It is important to note that memory deficiency or forgetfulness occurs in steps with vascular dementia.”
The context of India
The burden of vascular contribution to dementia and cognitive impairment is notably high in India, according a research named “Vascular cognitive impairment in India.”
Forty percent of the 5.3 million dementia patients in India have vascular dementia. A Picture for Interpretation. Picture Source: Pixabay
The study also found that 40% of the 5.3 million dementia patients in India have vascular dementia. The Oxford study provides a ray of hope that could help avoid the illness, but experts believe it needs a larger clinical trial.
What was found in the Oxford study?
In the study’s clinical trial, more than 75 individuals with mild to severe small artery disease and a history of minor stroke were randomly assigned to take sildenafil (Viagra), a placebo, or the comparable medication cilostazol over three weeks.
The researchers discovered that sildenafil improved blood flow in both major and tiny brain veins using MRI and ultrasound studies. It increased the responsiveness of blood flow to carbon dioxide, a sign of better cerebrovascular health.
The study also discovered that sildenafil and clostazol reduced brain blood vessel resistance, with sildenafil having fewer adverse effects than clostazol, especially in terms of a decreased frequency of diarrhea.
Dr. Alastair Webb, an associate professor at the Wolfson Centre for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia at Oxford and study author, said.
The most prevalent cause of vascular dementia is persistent damage to the brain’s tiny blood arteries, which is linked to these two important variables.
