A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has found that men who regularly take Viagra have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The analysis, conducted by Dementia Research UK and published in collaboration with King’s College London, looked at nearly 7,500 men aged 50 and over who took part in the Health and Retirement Study in the U.S. The researchers found that men who had taken Viagra at least once a week for at least four years were 56% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who had not used the drug.
“The results of this study provide fresh insights into a drug that is already firmly established in the treatment of erectile dysfunction,” said Dr. Ruth Coombes, of Dementia Research UK in a statement. “They also add to the body of evidence suggesting that the condition may be prevented or delayed by treatment with sildenafil (Viagra) and similar drugs. However, experts stress that patients should not stop taking their medication without first talking to their doctor.”
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