Popular diabetes weight-loss drug could reduce Alzheimer's risk

A compound called semaglutide is often used for type 2 diabetes and even for weight loss. However, a new study has found that this compound may also help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, the world's fastest-growing neurological disease.

The study from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine suggests that semaglutide could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes.

The study compared semaglutide to seven other antidiabetic drugs and found that the risk of Alzheimer's disease was significantly reduced in those who took it.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory and thinking. According to the Alzheimer's Association, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, which claims more lives each year than breast and prostate cancer combined.

The study, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, analyzed data from nearly one million U.S. patients with type 2 diabetes over a three-year period.

Led by Professor Rong Xu, the researchers used statistical methods to simulate the effects of a clinical trial. They found that patients taking semaglutide were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those taking other diabetes medications, including drugs that target similar pathways.

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular medications like Wegovy and Ozempic, helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduce hunger in people with type 2 diabetes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alzheimer's disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. About 1,20,000 Americans die from it every year.

“This study provides real-world evidence that semaglutide may have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease,” said Xu, who is also director of the Center for AI in Drug Discovery.

However, she noted that while the results are promising, further research is needed to confirm the results through clinical trials.

“Our study highlights the need for further investigation into the potential of semaglutide to prevent or treat this devastating disease,” Xu added.