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An FDA-approved pharmaceutical used to treat erectile dysfunction could soon be recommended as a therapy for decreasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
By analyzing medical insurance data alongside a laboratory investigation on the genetic and neurological effects of sildenafil – a drug sold commonly under the brand name Viagra – researchers in the US have validated the medication's potential in keeping critical proteins in nerve cells from tangling into a deadly mess.
Studies have repeatedly demonstrated enzyme blockers called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors not only have an ability to promote blood flow in the penis, but could prevent the neurodegeneration responsible for dementia.
This potential might not be all that surprising, given PDEs are known to be involved in nerve signaling pathways that influence neuroplasticity. Previous investigations on animal models have shown the PDE inhibitor sildenafil reduces the excessive phosphorylation of 'tau' proteins in nerve cells that causes them to form toxic tangles, helping improve cognitive health and memory.
www.sciencealert.com
By analyzing medical insurance data alongside a laboratory investigation on the genetic and neurological effects of sildenafil – a drug sold commonly under the brand name Viagra – researchers in the US have validated the medication's potential in keeping critical proteins in nerve cells from tangling into a deadly mess.
Studies have repeatedly demonstrated enzyme blockers called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors not only have an ability to promote blood flow in the penis, but could prevent the neurodegeneration responsible for dementia.
This potential might not be all that surprising, given PDEs are known to be involved in nerve signaling pathways that influence neuroplasticity. Previous investigations on animal models have shown the PDE inhibitor sildenafil reduces the excessive phosphorylation of 'tau' proteins in nerve cells that causes them to form toxic tangles, helping improve cognitive health and memory.
Huge Study Confirms Viagra Cuts Alzheimer's Risk by Over 50%
An FDA-approved pharmaceutical used to treat erectile dysfunction could soon be recommended as a therapy for decreasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
www.sciencealert.com
