Study: Popular diabetes and weight-loss drug may lower 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 memory and cognitive issues. Modifiable factors like obesity, T2D, and cardiovascular diseases can contribute to this condition.

More than 6 million Americans have dementia, causing over 100,000 deaths annually. Research suggests that addressing modifiable risk factors could prevent 45% of dementia cases.

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

Semaglutide, a GLP-1R molecule, is present in drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, offering benefits such as reduced cardiovascular diseases. The research team, led by professor Rong Xu, analyzed electronic records of 1.7 million T2D patients, showing a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease-related dementia in those prescribed semaglutide.

While the study hints at semaglutide's potential in preventing dementia, further investigation through randomized clinical trials is necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

According to the source: Medical Xpress.