UK -Viagra, commonly known as sildenafil, has shown promising results in enhancing blood flow to the brain and improving the function of brain blood vessels in patients at a heightened risk of vascular dementia, according to a groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Oxford.
This study, published in Circulation Research, marks a significant advancement in addressing this debilitating condition.
This study, published in Circulation Research, marks a significant advancement in addressing this debilitating condition.
The trial, known as the OxHARP study, involved 75 participants who had experienced a minor stroke and showed signs of mild to moderate small vessel disease.
Each participant received sildenafil, a placebo, and cilostazol (a similar drug) in a randomized order over three-week periods.
The study used cardiovascular physiology tests, ultrasound, and functional MRI scans to evaluate the effects of drugs.
The study’s findings are particularly encouraging. Sildenafil increased blood flow in both large and small brain vessels, as measured by ultrasound and MRI scans.
Additionally, it enhanced the blood flow response to carbon dioxide, indicating improved cerebrovascular function.
Both sildenafil and cilostazol lowered blood vessel resistance in the brain, and sildenafil caused fewer side effects compared to cilostazol, particularly with less incidence of diarrhea.
Dr. Alastair Webb, Associate Professor at the Wolfson Center for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia at Oxford University, emphasized the significance of these findings stating that
“This is the first trial to show that sildenafil gets into the blood vessels in the brain in people with this condition, improving blood flow and how responsive these blood vessels are.
“These two key factors are associated with chronic damage to the small blood vessels in the brain, which is the commonest cause of vascular dementia.
“This demonstrates the potential of this well-tolerated, widely-available drug to prevent dementia, which needs testing in larger trials.”
Professor Peter Rothwell, Founding Director of the Wolfson Center for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia, also highlighted the importance of the study. “Professor Webb’s findings are very encouraging and highlight the potential for preventing vascular dementia using existing drugs that target the underlying reduction in flow in the small blood vessels in the brain.”
The study’s findings have significant implications for the treatment and prevention of vascular dementia, which currently lacks specific therapies.
Chronic damage to the small blood vessels in the brain is not only the leading cause of vascular dementia but also contributes to 30% of strokes and 80% of brain bleeds.
High blood pressure, reduced blood flow to the brain, and impaired blood vessel function exacerbate these conditions, making the findings of this trial particularly crucial.
The next steps involve larger-scale trials to confirm these findings and explore sildenafil’s potential in preventing vascular dementia on a broader scale.
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