Drugs are a common cause of dementia, but many people are not aware that there are medication alternatives that are just as effective and have fewer side effects.
In this article, we’ll discuss the relationship between viagra and dementia, including how to prevent and treat it.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a condition that causes serious impairment of intellectual faculties, such as memory and judgment. It is generally thought to be the result of brain damage or degeneration, though it can also be triggered by mental illness or substance abuse. People with dementia often have trouble completing familiar tasks, tend to wander away from home, and may forget how to eat or dress.
Dementia is a major public health crisis, as outlined in a 2018 report from the Alzheimer’s Association:
“There are now more people living with dementia than there have ever been before. Currently, more than half a million Australians have dementia, and the number is projected to double by 2051. This is why experts and policymakers are so concerned about early detection and increased access to therapy and support services.”
While there are currently no permanent cures for dementia, there is a wide range of treatments and management strategies that can help reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with this condition. These include medications, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, as well as psychological and social interventions.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a drug manufactured by Pfizer that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (commonly known as impotence). The drug is also advertised to improve mental abilities, though this claim has not been scientifically proven.
Viagra can be extremely effective in treating erectile dysfunction, as indicated by a large number of clinical trials. The drug is rapidly absorbed by the body and has a short half-life, which makes it particularly effective when administered as needed.
In addition to erectile dysfunction, Viagra is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease, and unstable angina. It has been officially prescribed to men aged over 65, and it is available in a variety of doses to suit individuals with different needs.
Why does Viagra increase the risk of dementia?
As with any drug that is prescribed to treat a medical condition, there is a possibility that Viagra could cause or contribute to dementia. We know that dementia is often caused or contributed to by multiple factors, and it is highly unlikely that any one drug will cause the disease in all cases. However, it is certainly possible for Viagra to increase your risk of developing dementia.
We do know, however, that there is a strong connection between dementia and erectile dysfunction, as both are often symptoms of the same condition. As previously mentioned, dementia can be caused by a wide variety of factors, and it is well established that impotence can be a contributing factor. It’s also worth noting that many medications used to treat other medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, are known to cause or contribute to dementia.
In addition, there is a growing body of research that links recreational drug use with Alzheimer’s disease. The most established and well-known drug in this regard is probably cocaine. However, it seems that any drug used for recreational purposes increases your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This includes, but is not limited to, marijuana, ecstasy, and crystal meth. It is generally thought that these drugs increase the production of amyloid plaques in the brain, the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
What should I do if I suspect that Viagra is causing or contributing to dementia?
If you believe that Viagra may be causing or contributing to your dementia, then it is essential to take a step back and assess the situation. First of all, you should consult your doctor and ask about alternative treatments that may be available. In some cases, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative medication or recommend a different course of treatment.
If, however, your doctor is not able to assist you, then you should look into enrolling in a memory training course or therapy program. These are often available as part of a combined cognitive health program, and they can help to improve your mental wellbeing while also helping to prevent and treat dementia. In most cases, these resources are extremely beneficial, and they can help to combat the effects of dementia and improve your life. If you’re interested, then you should certainly consider enrolling in a memory training course or therapy session.
The Evidence
There is a large body of evidence that links erectile dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease. A 2017 review of 14 studies involving a total of 3,738 participants found that risk of Alzheimer’s disease doubled in men with erectile dysfunction as compared to those without the condition. The risk of dementia increased by more than 60% in men with erectile dysfunction, as compared to those without the condition.
In a 2011 study of 2,938 elderly men, those with erectile dysfunction had more than twice the risk of Alzheimer’s disease as compared to men without the condition. The risk of dementia was also significantly higher in men with erectile dysfunction, as compared to a control group of men without the condition (odds ratio = 2.26). Another study, this time looking into the effects of Viagra on Alzheimer’s disease, yielded similar results. In this trial, 132 participants with Alzheimer’s disease were given 100 mg of Viagra daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the trial, it was found that those who received the drug had less cognitive decline as compared to those who received a placebo. A similar trial involving 288 men with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) also showed that 12 weeks of treatment with Viagra resulted in a significant improvement in memory and other cognitive function.
What about other types of dementia?
While the above studies have mostly looked into the effects of Viagra on Alzheimer’s disease, other types of dementia have also been linked to erectile dysfunction. In a study involving 329 participants with Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia, it was found that those with the combination of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia had poorer sexual function than those with only one of the diseases. In both groups, a poor level of sexual function was associated with a reduced life span. However, in participants with Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia, a poor level of sexual function was also associated with an increased risk of death from other causes (hazard ratio = 1.72). This suggests that individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia may experience other health problems as well as sexual problems.
In another study, 2,098 men with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were compared to 2,098 men without cognitive impairment (or just with Alzheimer’s disease). It was found that those with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease had significantly more sexual dysfunction than those without the condition. The condition was also strongly associated with depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. However, in this study, those with Alzheimer’s disease had more cognitive decline than those with vascular dementia. It is interesting to note here that while those with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease had significantly more sexual dysfunction and depression/anxiety, studies have shown that those with Alzheimer’s disease have a shorter life expectancy than those with vascular dementia. This may suggest that while sex life is affected, the disease has an even more serious impact on everyday life. In other words, while sexual problems are a concern for people with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the diseases’ other symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion, may be even more so.
Preventing Dementia
While there is no cure for dementia, there are a number of ways in which you can prevent and reduce its incidence. First and foremost, you should try and avoid getting dementia in the first place. This means not only avoiding risk factors for the disease, but also taking care of your mental health.
Mental health problems often have a strong influence on the development of dementia. Studies have shown that people with depression and anxiety are at a much higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It is therefore very relevant that medications such as Paroxetine and Venlafaxine, which are often used to treat anxiety and depression, have been shown to reduce the risk of dementia. The National Institute of Health (NIH) states that people with dementia should be monitored for their mental health, as poor mental health may exacerbate the cognitive problems associated with the disease.