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Q. A few years ago, you wrote about a Viagra study. It looked really promising, because it showed a 30% to 54% reduction in Alzheimer’s disease from a drug that isn’t even taken daily! I really hope that researchers will follow up with a clinical trial.
Meanwhile, men could try taking Viagra. But what about women?
A. Back in 2024, researchers reported preliminary results suggesting that sildenafil (Viagra) might help protect against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). One report noted that sildenafil reduced phosphorylation of tau, one of the important risk factors neurologists note for this dementia (Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2024). In addition, the investigators analyzed medical records in two large databases and found, as you wrote, a significant reduction in AD.
Another study also relied on medical records and found that men taking sildenafil or a similar drug were also less likely to develop AD over five years (Neurology, Feb. 7, 2024). The researchers concluded, “… a randomized controlled trial including both sexes and exploring various PDE5I [sildenafil-like drugs] doses would be beneficial to confirm the association between PDE5I and AD.”
So far as we can tell, only one such study has been published (Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease, November 2025). The study of mirodenafil was small and did not show benefit in people who had already been diagnosed with AD. We are still waiting for a large, well-controlled, long-term trial.
Q. I started out on a low dose of Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes. The nausea and fatigue were daily side effects that were difficult to live with. I also experienced acid reflux and constipation. My A1c came down nicely, but I am still dealing with digestive side effects. Do you have any suggestions?
A. Congratulations on the good results with your HbA1c, a measure of how well you are controlling your blood sugar. Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist, prescribed for Type 2 diabetes. Similar drugs are also prescribed for weight loss.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation are relatively common side effects of such medications. Health care providers often suggest eating small meals, eating slowly and choosing easily digested foods (Journal of Clinical Medicine, Dec. 24, 2022). They also recommend not eating too close to bedtime and not lying down after a meal.
We have lots of remedies in our “eGuide to Overcoming Digestive Disorders.” This online resource can be found under the Health eGuides tab at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
In it, you will find tips to combat constipation, such as hot lemonade, flaxseed tea and Power Pudding with bran, applesauce and prune juice.
To cope with reflux, some people find that sugarless gum stimulates saliva, which is the body’s natural heartburn combatant. Do not overdo it, though, as the sweeteners may lead to diarrhea.
Others prefer finishing a meal with a few almonds or tea (chamomile, ginger or lemon balm). One other time-honored approach involves DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). This dietary supplement has had the dangerous ingredient in licorice (glycyrrhizin) removed. Some people report good results for digestive distress.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.”