Scientists believe that a drug to treat erectile dysfunction could help prevent vascular dementia.

Vascular dementia affects 150,000 people in the UK and is the second most common form of dementia, after Alzheimers disease.

British volunteers are testing Tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, to see if the drug increases blood flow to the brain.

Cialis is a prescription only medicine to treat erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence.

There are other prescription only drugs available to treat impotence such as Viagra (Sildenafil) and Levitra.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition where the penis does not harden and expand when a man is sexually excited, or when he cannot keep an erection long enough to effectively engage in sexual activity.

Tadalafil works by helping the blood vessels in the penis to relax, allowing the blood flow into the penis.

Scientists are working on a theory that the treatment may also help blood flow to the brain.

The results from the trails are excepted to be published towards the end of year.

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For more information about vascular dementia, please CLICK HERE.

For more information about erectile dysfunction or prescription medication to treat it, or for a free private online consultation (with a UK GMC-registered doctor) about treatment for the condition, please CLICK HERE.