Beyond Weight Loss: A potential Cognitive Benefit?

Popular medications initially designed for diabetes and weight management are now being examined for an unexpected benefit: potentially reducing the risk of dementia. Recent studies indicate a correlation between the use of these drugs and a lower incidence of cognitive decline.

The Evidence: Two Key Studies

Two studies published in JAMA Neurology have brought this potential benefit to light. While neither study was explicitly designed to investigate dementia risk,their findings suggest a noteworthy connection:

• Clinical Trial Analysis: One study reviewed 26 clinical trials, observing patterns that hinted at a protective effect against dementia.
• Health record Review: The second study analyzed health records of thousands of individuals using these medications, further supporting the potential link.

Expert Insights

Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical expert, discussed these findings, stating:

These were not clinical trials specifically to look at dementia, but based on what they saw in those trials, there was a hint that these newer medications, like Ozempic, like mounjaro, may reduce the risk of dementia in people who are on those drugs.
Dr. Céline Gounder, KFF Health News

Dr. Gounder suggests a plausible mechanism behind this effect, pointing to the role of these medications in mitigating damage to blood vessels and reducing inflammation, factors known to contribute to chronic diseases, including those affecting the brain.

What we’re seeing is there’s this underlying mechanism of damage to blood vessels, inflammation, which is what’s driving many of the chronic diseases we see — whether that’s heart disease, kidney disease, damage to the brain, which can lead to stroke or dementia.
Dr. Céline Gounder, KFF health News

Beyond Dementia: other Potential Benefits

This isn’t the first time these drugs have been linked to benefits beyond their primary purpose. A 2024 study in the journal Addiction indicated that medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic might also aid patients struggling with addiction.

• Addiction Study Findings: Researchers observed a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose and a 50% lower rate of alcohol intoxication among individuals with opioid or alcohol use disorder who were taking these medications.

Access and Affordability Concerns

Despite the potential benefits, access to these medications remains a concern, particularly regarding cost and insurance coverage.

• Medicare Coverage Debate: A previous proposal to expand Medicare coverage to include these medications for all individuals with obesity was not implemented.
• Financial Implications: Dr. gounder highlighted the financial burden, noting that the drugs can cost over $1,000 per month out-of-pocket. She also acknowledged the potential cost to taxpayers, estimating that extending coverage to all Medicare recipients could cost $35 billion over a decade.

Dr. Gounder summarized the dilemma:

So many people on Medicare,who may have been hoping that they would finally have these drugs covered,will probably be disappointed… But simultaneously occurring,this was looked at how much would it cost the U.S. taxpayer to extend this coverage to everybody on Medicare, and you were looking at $35 billion over a decade, so there is a trade off.
Dr. Céline Gounder, KFF Health News

The Future of Research

while these initial findings are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the potential of weight loss drugs in reducing dementia risk and addressing other health challenges. The ongoing debate surrounding access and affordability will also play a crucial role in determining who can benefit from these medications.