Study finds generic Viagara shows promise as Alzheimer's treatment

A study led by the Cleveland Clinic found that an erectile dysfunction pill could help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers announced this week that sildenafil, generic Viagra is a promising drug candidate to help prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease. Sildenafil is an FDA-approved therapy for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension.

According to findings published in Nature Aging, a large-scale analysis of a database of more than 7 million patients concluded that sildenafil is associated with a 69% reduced incidence of Alzheimer's disease.

Follow-up clinical trial testing of the drug's efficacy is needed in patients with the disease.