Recently, a team of researchers have pointed to the drug sildenafil as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Most of us have heard of sildenafil, but might not know it immediately by its generic name. The drug name that most of us are more familiar with because of a heavy marketing campaign is Viagra, the drug used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Finding another use for sildenafil is not a surprise, though. In fact, this medication is already approved to be used for cases of hypertension.
Early trials of sildenafil use as a method of preventing Alzheimer’s have seen success. One report indicated that those who used sildenafil as a preventative measure were 69 percent less likely to have Alzheimer’s than the general population was. This is a remarkable number, and hopefully it is truly indicative of the drug’s promise. More research is needed to fine tune the efficacy of this medication and there is likely a long way to go before it is ever approved to be used with Alzheimer’s treatment and prevention–if it does even get to that point. But the fact that there are existing medications out there that show promise in the fight against this type of dementia is exciting.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. It is a neurodegenerative disease, which means that the brain’s ability to function continues to get worse and worse over time. Ultimately, the person suffering from Alzheimer’s will pass away as a result of the disease. Alzheimer’s is marked by memory loss, but those that have seen a family member suffer from this disease know that it’s a lot more than just this. Memory loss is part of it, but personality changes, physical decline, and more can also be part of it. It is very hard to see a loved one go through these changes and progressively struggle more and more over time.
Finding the right care for a loved one that is suffering from Alzheimer’s is a big part of loving someone that is suffering. Preventing the disease outright is even better. Right now, researchers believe that exercise and some dietary changes can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s but this is not an exact science. There’s a lot to learn still about the disease and why and how it spreads within the brain.
We’re here for you. Whether you wish to rely on us as an in-home care provider to a loved one, or you would like to ask us questions and look for resources during a free consultation session, we’d love to talk more. Senior care can be an overwhelming thing, and when a family member is hurting and in need, it can be even more frustrating to get the ball rolling or find the precise resources to help your family meet their needs. Regardless of what you’re looking for, we’re here.
So, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. One of our professional caregivers can help you get started and connect the people that you love with the best resources to help them live the highest quality of life possible.
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