A recent study from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, suggests that the diabetes drug Ozempic and other semaglutide medications may significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
Analyzing three years of medical records from nearly one million type 2 diabetes patients in the United States, the researchers found that those prescribed semaglutide had a markedly reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to those taking other anti-diabetic medications.
The findings were published on Thursday in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“Our study provides promising real-world evidence suggesting that semaglutide could be beneficial in preventing or slowing down the development of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Rong Xu, the lead author and a professor of biomedical informatics, in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“The underlying mechanisms remain unknown, and future mechanistic studies and clinical trials are necessary to confirm the effects.”
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. It is also used in Wegovy, Ozempic’s counterpart, for treating obesity.
The study indicates potential benefits of semaglutide in preventing or slowing Alzheimer’s progression in high-risk groups, such as those with type 2 diabetes. “This can provide some guidance in the choice of anti-diabetic medications for diabetes management and, at the same time, for preventing Alzheimer’s disease,” Xu noted.
Not surprised by the findings, Dr. Sue Decotiis, a New York City weight-loss specialist not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital, “We know that GLP-1 drugs treat insulin resistance, which has a positive impact on the whole body—cardiovascular health, neurovascular health, decreased risk of stroke, and better cognitive function.”
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert who often prescribes Ozempic, noted the connection between metabolic health and neurodegeneration.
He explained that Alzheimer’s disease is sometimes referred to as “type 3 diabetes” due to its association with insulin resistance in the brain.
“The links between obesity, chronic inflammation, and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease become even more apparent,” he said.
“This suggests that effective management of insulin resistance and systemic inflammation reduction may be pivotal in slowing or preventing neurodegenerative diseases,” Osborn added.
While the study doesn’t claim that GLP-1 medications are a cure for Alzheimer’s, Osborn said it “shifts the paradigm by addressing the underlying risk factors for Alzheimer’s rather than just its symptoms.”
By improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation, these medications could benefit not only the brain but the entire body.
Despite the promising results, experts urge caution.
Dr. Decotiis expects to see “more and more widespread benefits” from using this category of drugs but highlights the necessity for further research to prove they slow Alzheimer’s progression.
“There needs to be a clear indication from the FDA to use these drugs for Alzheimer’s specifically in order for them to be covered by insurance,” she pointed out.
Xu echoed this sentiment, stating that the findings “cannot be used to justify off-label prescription of semaglutide for Alzheimer’s disease prevention and treatment.”
She stressed the necessity of randomized clinical trials to confirm these findings and to explore the underlying mechanisms.
The study offers hope for new strategies in preventing or slowing Alzheimer’s disease among high-risk populations.
However, medical professionals point to the need for further clinical trials to confirm these findings and verify the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide for this potential new use.