Viagra is best known for helping erectile dysfunction, but a new study suggests it may also lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Men who received a prescription for Viagra had an 18% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's than those who did not.
Erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra work by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow. This effect may reach the brain, where improved blood flow may help clear the buildup of toxic proteins closely related to Alzheimer's. The drugs also indirectly increase levels of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, involved in memory, learning and attention.