Ozempic may lower the risk of this serious condition

These include GLP-1 receptoragonists such as Ozempic (who increase insulin production and give a feeling of satiety), SGLT2 inhibitors (which prevent the kidneys from absorbing glucose and secreting it through the urine), pioglitazone (which improves insulin sensitivity), and metformin (which reduces liver production of glucose).

Independent experts have called the results encouraging, but emphasize that more studies are needed to confirm them. At the same time, further studies are also needed to uncover the exact mechanism behind any protective effect against dementia.

The first study led by pharmakoepidemiologist Huilin Tang of the University of Florida analyzed health data from thousands of patients with type 2 diabetes and compared the effect of various blood sugar-lowering treatments.

« GLP-1 receptoragonists and SGLT2 inhibitors were both significantly associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementia compared to other blood sugar-lowering drugs, » the researchers wrote.

No difference was observed between the two drug types, it also sounds in this regard.

In the second study, Allie Semines from the University of Galway and her team analyzed the results of 26 previously randomized clinical trials, comparing cardio -protective treatments with control groups, while also registering cases of dementia or changes in cognitive tests.

« Our meta-analysis showed that treatment with GLP-1 receptoragonists was associated with a significant reduction in all forms of dementia, » the researchers said.

Unlike the first study, however, this found no significant effect for SGLT2 inhibitors relative to dementia. Nevertheless, the results of the two studies have been met with cautious optimism from other researchers.

« These two articles on the possibility that GLP-1 receptoragonists can reduce dementia risk are encouraging, but far from final, » said professor of metabolic medicine Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow, who was not part of any of the two studies.

« One study is observation -based and the number of dementia in the meta -analysis was very low, which provides limited statistical strength. Therefore, we must await the results of ongoing randomized trials before we can make sure conclusions. »

Particularly mentioned Sattar that it is still unclear whether GLP-1 receptoragonists directly lower the risk of dementia or whether it is merely a side effect of their positive effect on several diseases-such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and kidney problems.

Professor of Neuroscience Tara Spires-Jones of the University of Edinburgh, who also did not participate in the studies, have also commented on them.

« This data is encouraging to the potential of using GLP-1 receptoragonists to lower dementia risk in people with diabetes, » she said.

« Even within these two solid studies, there are conflicting results for SGLT2 inhibitors, which shows the need for further research. It is important to remember that these drugs have side effects and that they do not guarantee dementia. »