More Data Show Erectile Dysfunction Meds May Affect Alzheimer's Risk

Men prescribed drugs to treat newly diagnosed erectile dysfunction (ED) are 18% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD) during a 5-year follow-up period.

The study is the second in recent years to suggest an association between the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) and AD risk.

Although these findings contradict those in a third study, reported by Medscape Medical News, that showed no link between the two. 

Although the research is interesting, outside experts noted that there is no evidence that the drugs can treat AD and urge caution when interpreting the findings. 

But what do we really know.