Many people have heard of Alzheimer’s disease and its most well-known symptoms: Memory loss and difficulty in finding the right word. Less well-known is the fact that it’s one of the most common causes of dementia. In the UK, it’s the fourth most common cause of death after heart disease, stroke, and cancer. In the US, it’s the fifth leading cause of death. It’s estimated that over 5.6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and the numbers are projected to double every twenty years. There are currently no known treatments to reverse or cure the disease, and patients usually have to rely on supportive living policies and assistance with daily tasks such as eating and dressing. Fortunately, there are various treatments that can help manage the disease, including the widely prescribed drug Viagra. Here, we’ll discuss the differences between the two so that you can decide what would work best for you or your loved one.
Viagra For Alzheimer’s Disease
The first and most obvious difference between Viagra and Alzheimer’s is the indication for which they’re used. People with Alzheimer’s disease usually have less-than-perfect erections and can’t consistently achieve or maintain an erection that’s long enough for sexual activity. Because of this, they have to rely on other forms of sexual stimulation or assistance. However, Viagra can be used to improve erections for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other kinds of dementia. It does this by increasing blood flow to the penis and restoring nitric oxide production, both of which help to maintain an erection. As a result, people with Alzheimer’s disease can enjoy better sex lives and increased intimacy with their partners. Studies have also shown that taking Viagra daily can help prevent dementia and cognitive decline in those who are already experiencing symptoms. It’s important to note here that if you’re taking nitrates (i.e. nitroglycerin), as most physicians do, then you must avoid taking Viagra. Otherwise, you may experience an unexpected and dangerous drop in blood pressure.
The Difference in Severity
Alzheimer’s disease is usually a more-or-less gradual decline in memory and cognitive function. It starts off as slight word-finding errors and eventually leads to total amnesia. These are the hallmark symptoms, but even those who are not afflicted will know someone who is. It often starts with the patient getting stuck on one word, or even one phrase. It can also start out gradual and then get worse over time. This is why it’s such a terrifying disease for those who are diagnosed with it, as well as their families and friends. It’s also one of the reasons why many people feel afraid to seek medical help; they’re afraid of the diagnosis and don’t want to think about the implications. Fortunately, there are various treatments available for Alzheimer’s disease, and most people live fairly normal lives despite the condition. The key takeaway is that the earlier you get help, the better. Seeking help from a physician is not only advisable, but in many cases, it’s also required in order to receive proper treatment. The same goes for patients with other conditions that can lead to dementia, such as diabetes and head trauma. It is, however, important to keep in mind that the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be treated, not cured. This is an important consideration for anyone who is diagnosed with the disease, as there is no known cure.
Time Of Diagnosis
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease can be tricky, particularly if you don’t have any of the typical symptoms. It has to be said that many people have symptoms that resemble those of Alzheimer’s disease but are not it. This is why it’s so important to have a thorough conversation with your physician about your mental faculties and any significant changes that you’ve noticed. It’s also important to note that the earlier you get help, the better. It’s almost never a case of someone finding out that they have the disease at the end of their life, as there are usually many clues and indications that it’s slowly been developing for years. It’s still essential to seek medical help if you suspect that you have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, but it can be difficult to know where to start.
Supportive Living
Many people with Alzheimer’s disease simply need someone to help them with day-to-day tasks. This can be as simple as taking the patient to the doctor’s office for a check-up, or helping them to shop for groceries or dress themselves. It can also mean paying bills, cooking, cleaning, and the like. As these tasks can be pretty taxing for the average person, it’s no wonder that so many people end up being dependent on others or rely on assisted living policies. This can be incredibly frustrating for families, especially when there’s no end in sight to the disease. Alzheimer’s disease used to be considered a shameful secret, but thanks to modern medicine and increased education, more and more people are realizing the need to seek help even if they don’t have any of the classic symptoms. It’s still a taboo subject but at least there’s now some hope for patients and their loved ones that they can live a fuller life despite the disease.
Key Takeaway
In summary, then, the main differences between Alzheimer’s and Viagra are: