Do Horny Men Have a Lower Risk for Alzheimer’s?

Ok so I admit there is a huge temptation for childish jokes about today’s email subject. Anytime people talk about a certain drug, it’s human nature to smirk a little.

Yes you guessed it. That drug is Viagra.

Most people in the United States, if not the world, know the primary reason sales of Viagra are doing well.

Because it boosts blood flow to certain regions of the body. When a man becomes excited about a potential partner, the body releases a protein called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP directs more blood to the ‘certain region’.

When the extra blood is no longer needed, the body releases another protein called phosphodiesterase-type 5 (PDE-5) which breaks down cGMP and the blood goes back to other uses.

For men who have trouble impressing their partner, Viagra blocks PDE-5 which scientists believe acts too quickly in the man’s body.

Inhibiting PDE-5 also relaxes muscles throughout the body allowing blood to flow to lots of different ‘organs’. Sexual improvement is just the most visible manifestation of it.

The increased blood flow moves up to the brain as well. That blood flow can bring more nutrients and oxygen to your brain. More nutrients and oxygen is a good thing.

A recent study published in the journal Nature backs up this theory.

The study reviewed insurance data for 7.23 million individuals. They found that people who took sildenafil (the generic name for Viagra) had a 69% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

That’s quite a risk reduction. It would seem to totally counteract the risk people who have two Alzheimer’s genes (APOE4) have.

The study also found that Viagra increases neurite growth and decreases the tau tangles that are associated with Alzheimer’s.

As always, the study states they need to do more research.

I first learned about the association between Viagra and Alzheimer’s from A Mind for All Seasons and their work with some of our assisted living residents. Some of our residents, both male and female, took Viagra to help with the blood flow.

They took a lot of other supplements as well, ate a very health diet, exercised and did other therapies as well. So it was difficult at our homes to attribute any cognitive improvement specifically to the Viagra.

The study cited above also doesn’t necessarily stay Viagra treats someone who already has Alzheimer’s. It says people who took the drug had a lower risk of developing the disease.

As an alternative to Viagra, they also recommended a supplement called Vinpocetine, which inhibits PDE like Viagra. It’s a whole lot cheaper though and over the counter in the United States. It requires a prescription in other countries I believe.

The bottom line is that Viagra improves blood flow. Anything that can do that for the brain will most likely help with Alzheimer’s. That’s why we have our residents exercise on a regular basis for example.

Here is a link to the study. Hopefully by now you know I am not trying to give medical advice. You should definitely consult with a medical professional before starting any medications or supplements. I’m just trying to offer as many possibilities to preserve your health as I can.