A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia suggests that, the active ingredient of Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide could significantly decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease among Type 2 diabetes patients. Patients taking semaglutide had up to a 70% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those on other diabetes medications, including insulin and older GLP-1 drugs like liraglutide.
The study, led by Rong Xu, PhD of Case Western Reserve University, examined medical records of over 1 million patients aged 60 and older. Across gender, age and obesity status, the research found consistent benefits of semaglutide.
Although animal models suggest that semaglutide reduces amyloid plaques and improves cognitive function, Researchers speculate that its neuroprotective properties are likely due to anti-inflammatory actions as well as benefits in vascular health and management of diabetes-related risk factors.
These findings come ahead of results from two phase 3 trials by Novo Nordisk, for semaglutide’s effects in patients with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer’s. If confirmed, semaglutide could offer a new approach to Alzheimer’s prevention, especially in high-risk populations with Type 2 diabetes.
With diabetes being a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, the neuroprotective potential for GLP-1 receptor agonists is generating significant interest. While this observational study provides promising real-world data, but further research, including randomized clinical trials, is needed to confirm these findings and establish definitive causality.
