Study Finds Diabetes Drug Semaglutide May Reduce Dementia Risk

Researchers at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine have found that semaglutide, a popular diabetes and weight-loss drug, may lower the risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Dementia occurs when brain cells are damaged, leading to difficulties in remembering and thinking clearly. Modifiable factors such as obesity, T2D, cardiovascular diseases, traumatic brain injury, and stroke can contribute to this condition.

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 6 million people in the United States have dementia, causing more than 100,000 deaths annually. Research suggests that addressing modifiable risk factors could prevent 45% of dementia cases.

The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, reveals that T2D patients taking semaglutide had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to other antidiabetic medications, especially among women and older adults.

Semaglutide, a molecule that helps regulate blood sugar in T2D, is also present in drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. It has shown benefits in reducing cardiovascular diseases.

The research team, led by professor Rong Xu, analyzed electronic records of 1.7 million T2D patients over three years. Patients prescribed semaglutide had a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease-related dementia compared to those on other antidiabetic medications.

Xu emphasized the need for further investigation through randomized clinical trials to confirm semaglutide's potential in preventing dementia.