The popular drug is sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy
of ConsumerAffairs- Diabetes drug semaglutide linked to reduced risk of dementia in type 2 diabetes patients
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Effects strongest in women and older adults, according to study of 1.7 million medical records
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Findings prompt calls for further clinical trials to explore semaglutides brain-protective potential
A new study from researchers at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine suggests that semaglutidea widely used diabetes and weight-loss drug sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovymay significantly lower the risk of developing dementia in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Published in the Journal of Alzheimers Disease, the study analyzed electronic health records from nearly 1.7 million T2D patients across the United States over a three-year period. The research found that those taking semaglutide were substantially less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimers-related dementia compared to patients on seven other types of anti-diabetic medications.
These findings provide real-world evidence that semaglutide may help prevent or delay dementia among high-risk populations, said study leader Rong Xu, a professor of biomedical informatics and director of the universitys Center for AI in Drug Discovery, in a news release.
A potential breakthrough in dementia prevention
Dementia, a progressive neurological disorder that impairs memory and cognitive function, affects more than 6 million Americans and contributes to over 100,000 deaths annually. While there is currently no cure, experts estimate that up to 45% of dementia cases may be preventable by targeting modifiable risk factors such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has already shown benefits for weight loss and cardiovascular health. This new study adds to growing evidence that the drugs effects may extend to protecting the brain.
Notably, the dementia risk-lowering effect of semaglutide was especially pronounced in women and older adults, two groups disproportionately affected by cognitive decline.
Study design and next steps
To conduct the study, Xus team employed a statistical approach that mimics randomized clinical trials by analyzing anonymized patient data from real-world healthcare settings. This observational method cannot prove causality but offers compelling correlations.
While the findings are promising, Xu emphasized the need for controlled, randomized trials to confirm whether semaglutide can actively prevent dementia. This isnt a cure, but its a strong signal that warrants deeper investigation, she said.
As dementia rates continue to rise, particularly among aging populations with chronic conditions like diabetes, this research could help guide future strategies for both pharmaceutical intervention and preventative care. If proven effective, semaglutide might offer a new dual benefitmanaging diabetes while also shielding the brain.
Posted: 2025-06-24 19:37:00
