Semaglutide Reduces Alzheimer’s Risk in Diabetics

October 26, 2024

A new study has revealed that semaglutide, found in diabetes and weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, the study shows a risk reduction of 40% to 70% for developing AD compared to other diabetes treatments.

About Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia. It leads to a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and social skills. This condition affects millions worldwide, making effective prevention strategies essential.

The Study Overview

Researchers examined the health records of over one million US patients with type 2 diabetes. They compared the effects of semaglutide with seven other diabetes medications, including metformin and insulin. The patients were tracked for up to three years for Alzheimer’s diagnoses.

Key Findings

The study found that those on semaglutide had an importantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those on other diabetes medications. Notably, semaglutide patients had a 70% lower risk compared to those taking insulin.

Mechanism of Action

Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). These drugs may protect brain function in several ways:

They lower toxic protein levels linked to AD.
They enhance brain cell glucose utilisation.
They reduce harmful plaques associated with Alzheimer’s.
They decrease neuro-inflammation, a common factor in Alzheimer’s.
They stabilise blood sugar levels, reducing oxidative stress and protecting neurons.

Implications for Treatment

Current Alzheimer’s treatments, like Biogen’s Leqembi and Eli Lilly’s Kisunla, focus on amyloid plaques but come with serious side effects. The new findings suggest a dual purpose for GLP-1 drugs: managing diabetes and potentially preventing dementia.

Significance for India

India has a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes, which correlates with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Chronic insulin resistance and inflammation from diabetes can impair brain function. The potential of GLP-1 drugs to delay dementia symptoms in diabetic patients could be transformative for the ageing Indian population.

The study raises questions about the effectiveness of higher doses of GLP-1 RAs in combating Alzheimer’s. Further research is needed to explore this potential. How these drugs work could lead to new therapeutic strategies for both diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

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