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Indian doctors have lauded a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, which has revealed the potential of Viagra, also known as Sildenafil, in preventing dementia. This pathbreaking trial links the drug, widely recognized for treating erectile dysfunction, with improvements in vascular dementia, a type of dementia that affects thinking, memory, and day-to-day behavior due to conditions that damage blood vessels and disrupt blood flow to the brain.
Dr. Rajeev Mehta, a Senior Psychiatrist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, emphasized the significance of this study, particularly for India. “India has a high burden of cognitive disease impairment due to vascular disease. It is important to note that in vascular dementia, memory deficiency or forgetfulness occurs in steps,” Mehta stated. The research demonstrated that Viagra has the ability to open minute blood vessels in the brain, enhancing blood flow and consequently improving memory loss.
According to an article in Science Direct, the burden of vascular contribution to cognitive impairment and dementia is substantially high in India. With about 5.3 million dementia patients in the country, nearly 40 percent are estimated to suffer from vascular dementia.
Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, Chairman of The Institute of Mental Health at Moolchand Hospital, expressed optimism about the findings but emphasized the need for further comprehensive multi-centric trials to substantiate these results. “Any benefits to those chronically suffering from such dementia would be a welcome step in cognitive recovery,” Nagpal said. He also noted that vascular dementia can occur due to stroke, where the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly cut off or reduced, causing damage and eventual death of brain cells. This results in the narrowing and blockage of the small blood vessels inside the brain.
In India, Sildenafil is available in strengths ranging from 25mg to 100mg and is commonly found across chemist shops, costing roughly Rs 25 per tablet.
This study brings new hope to millions of patients and their families, offering a potential breakthrough in the treatment and prevention of vascular dementia. As further research and trials continue, the medical community remains hopeful about the possibilities of this new application for Sildenafil.
