New Delhi, June 9: Indian doctors in Delhi on Sunday praised a new study conducted by experts at the University of Oxford. They claim that it is a groundbreaking trial that links Viagra, also known as Sildenafil, with improvement in vascular dementia and suggests that the medication may be able to prevent dementia (memory loss).

Dr Rajeev Mehta, Senior Psychiatrist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, says that dementia is a disease that damages blood vessels and interferes with blood flow to the brain, impairing thinking, memory, and daily behaviour. "India has a high burden of cognitive impairment due to vascular disease. It is important to note that in vascular dementia, memory deficiency or forgetfulness occurs in steps," he further added.

According to a study, Viagra (Sildenafil), which is primarily used for erectile dysfunction, has the power to widen tiny blood vessels in the brain, increasing blood flow and reducing memory loss. Indian-Origin Scientists Identify 11 Risk Factors for Developing Dementia.

According to an article by Science Direct, India has a disproportionately high incidence of vascular contributing to dementia and cognitive impairment. Nearly 40% of the approximately 5.3 million dementia patients in India are thought to have vascular dementia.

According to Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, Chairman of The Institute of Mental Health at Moolchand Hospital, additional thorough multi-centric trials are required to validate these results. Any advantages for those who have such dementia on a long-term basis, however, would be a positive step towards cognitive recovery. He further stated, "Besides increasing age, vascular dementia can also happen with stroke, wherein blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly cut off or reduced. This damages and eventually kills brain cells. There is narrowing and blockage of the small blood vessels inside the brain." In India, sildenafil is available in dosages ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg, with a price range of approximately Rs 25 each pill.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 11, 2024 06:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).