(HealthDay News) — Add Alzheimer’s disease to the list of conditions that might benefit from the revolutionary diabetes drug Ozempic, a new study says.
People with type 2 diabetes taking semaglutide appeared to have a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to patients taking seven other diabetes drugs, researchers reported Oct. 24 in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
The results jibe with other studies that have found semaglutide might protect against dementia, said lead researcher Rong Xu, a biomedical informatics professor with Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, in Cleveland.
“This new study provides real-world evidence for its impact on Alzheimer’s disease, even though preclinical research has suggested that semaglutide may protect against neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation,” Xu said in a Case Western news release.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug, and is the active agent in Ozempic and its weight-loss cousin, Wegovy. These medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which helps control insulin and blood sugar levels, decreases appetite and slows digestion of food.
For the study, researchers analyzed three years of health records for nearly 1 million U.S. patients with type 2 diabetes.
They found that patients prescribed semaglutide had a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, compared to those taking seven other diabetes meds.
However, they warned that more research is needed to confirm this potential benefit.
“Our results indicate that further research into semaglutide’s use will need to be further investigated through randomized clinical trials so alternative drugs can be tested as potential treatment for this debilitating illness,” Xu said.
How does semaglutide work to prevent Alzheimer’s?
The potential of semaglutide drugs, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, to prevent Alzheimer’s disease has garnered significant attention in recent years. While research is ongoing, early studies suggest that these medications may play a role in mitigating the progression of this neurodegenerative condition.
Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, primarily works by improving blood sugar control. However, its potential benefits extend beyond diabetes management. Preclinical and clinical studies have explored the connection between semaglutide and Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on several key mechanisms:
Insulin Resistance and Brain Health: One of the primary theories linking semaglutide to Alzheimer’s prevention is its impact on insulin resistance. Insulin, a hormone involved in blood sugar regulation, also plays a crucial role in brain function. In Alzheimer’s disease, insulin resistance in the brain is often observed, leading to impaired glucose uptake and neuronal dysfunction. Semaglutide, by improving insulin sensitivity, may help to protect brain cells from the detrimental effects of insulin resistance.
Inflammation and Neuroprotection: Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, contributing to neuronal damage and cognitive decline. Semaglutide has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing inflammation in the brain and protecting neurons from damage. By targeting inflammation, semaglutide may help to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Amyloid-β Clearance: Amyloid-β plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, are formed from misfolded proteins that accumulate in the brain. Some research suggests that semaglutide may promote the clearance of amyloid-β plaques, potentially reducing their toxic effects on neurons. This mechanism could contribute to the prevention or delay of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s.
Neurogenesis and Synaptic Plasticity: Semaglutide can stimulate neurogenesis, the process of generating new brain cells. Additionally, it may enhance synaptic plasticity, the ability of neurons to form new connections. These effects could contribute to cognitive function and resilience, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
While the early findings are promising, it is important to note that further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the potential benefits of semaglutide in Alzheimer’s prevention. Clinical trials are currently underway to investigate the efficacy and safety of semaglutide for this purpose.
More information
The Mayo Clinic has more on the health benefits of semaglutide.
SOURCE: Case Western Reserve University, news release, Oct. 24, 2024