Ozempic Linked to Lower Alzheimer’s Risk in New Study
Diabetes drug shows promise in protecting against cognitive decline.
Could a diabetes drug also protect against Alzheimer’s disease? A new study suggests a significant link between semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, and a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s, offering hope for a potential new avenue in dementia prevention.
Key Study Findings
Researchers analyzed three years of electronic health records from almost 1 million Americans with type 2 diabetes, as reported in Alzheimer’s & Dementia. The team discovered that patients prescribed semaglutide had a significantly lower risk—up to 70% less compared to those on insulin—of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Diabetes and Dementia: A Complex Relationship
A connection exists between type 2 diabetes and dementia, with research indicating that individuals with type 2 diabetes face a 50% higher risk of developing dementia. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that this link is especially strong with vascular dementia. This form of cognitive decline results from conditions affecting blood vessels in the brain.
According to Verna Porter, MD, a neurologist and director of the Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and Neurocognitive Disorders at Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, “The overlap between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease stems from shared risk factors such as insulin resistance, inflammation, and increased risk for vascular damage.”
Why Semaglutide May Offer Protection
The reason for semaglutide’s protective effect isn’t fully understood yet. However, Dr. Porter explains that semaglutide reduces inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of obesity and heart disease. These are both established risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As of 2023, over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, with that number projected to nearly double by 2050 (Alzheimer’s Association).
Semaglutide vs. Other Diabetes Medications
The reasons behind semaglutide’s superior performance compared to other anti-diabetic drugs remain unclear. Still, Dr. Porter suggests that the findings “add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that GLP-1 receptor agonists may have neuroprotective properties, which could benefit patients beyond glucose control.”
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which includes other drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Caveats and Future Research
It’s crucial to recognize that this study only demonstrated a correlation between semaglutide use and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It did not establish a direct causal relationship.
Moreover, the study mimicked a randomized, controlled clinical trial, but it wasn’t one. More data is needed before doctors consider prescribing semaglutide for Alzheimer’s prevention. “As a clinician, I’m aware of the need for further research—including longer-term studies and randomized controlled trials—to better understand the mechanisms and validate these findings before making changes to my treatment approach,”
says Dr. Porter.
Reducing Your Alzheimer’s Risk
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, you can take several steps to lower your risk of Alzheimer’s disease:
- Manage blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
- Engage in regular physical exercise
- Consume a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting sugar and saturated fats
- Maintain social connections
- Stimulate your brain regularly
- Minimize the risk of head trauma by wearing seat belts and helmets