A recent study has shown that GLP-1 receptor drugs, such as Ozempic, may protect type 2 diabetes patients from the risk of developing dementia and prolong their lives.
Study: "Ozempic" outperforms an approved treatment in reducing the risk of a disease common among millions
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of dementia of up to 70%, due to high blood sugar levels that negatively affect the blood vessels responsible for supplying the brain with oxygen.
Metformin is a traditional first-line treatment for diabetes, thanks to its effectiveness and low cost. It also helps improve cognition and reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. However, it can cause side effects such as diarrhea, stomach pain, and vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, and vision problems.
In contrast, a study by Professor Su-Yuan Wu from Taiwan showed that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs provide up to 25% greater protection against dementia compared to metformin, and are also associated with a significant reduction in mortality rates.
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These medications work by improving insulin secretion and slowing gastric emptying, leading to weight loss and better blood sugar control, as well as potential cardiovascular benefits. However, they can cause side effects such as vomiting and mood swings.
In the study, researchers used anonymized electronic health data from the global health research network Trinetx, spanning 20 years to track the development of dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes. The data included more than 87,000 patients in each group. They found that GLP-1 inhibitors reduced the risk of developing dementia to 2.5%, compared to 5% for metformin. The risk of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia was also reduced, and mortality rates were lower among those using these inhibitors.
Metformin's effect is due to improving metabolic processes in the body, while GLP-1 receptor agonists directly affect the brain via the blood-brain barrier, making them more effective in preventing dementia.
However, these findings still need to be confirmed through long-term studies, especially due to the progressive nature of Alzheimer's disease.
The study concludes that GLP-1 receptor agonists may constitute a key treatment for managing diabetes and preventing cognitive complications, opening up prospects for improving patients' quality of life.
The study was published in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.
