A recent study from South Korea suggests that certain drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes may also reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The study focused on a type of diabetes medication called SGLT2 inhibitors, which have shown promising results in lowering the incidence of these conditions. The lead researcher, Minyoung Lee, MD, PhD, explained that the pharmacological action of SGLT2 inhibitors may be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases by increasing urinary glucose excretion and elevating ketone bodies, which are known to be beneficial for the nervous system.
Consultant neurologist Steve Allder, MD, who was not involved in the study, suggested that the neuroprotective effects of SGLT2 inhibitors are likely multifaceted, involving cardiovascular, metabolic, and cellular effects. By reducing risk factors associated with dementia and Parkinson’s disease such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, and heart failure, SGLT2 inhibitors improve cardiovascular health and may help prevent cerebrovascular damage and neurodegeneration. The study involved analyzing data from a cohort of 358,862 participants with type 2 diabetes and found a significant reduction in the risk of developing all-cause dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and vascular dementia in participants using SGLT2 inhibitors compared to other oral antidiabetes medications.
Neurologist Daniel Truong, MD, who was not involved in the research, noted the surprising finding of a larger benefit seen in younger populations using SGLT2 inhibitors. The study authors emphasize the potential benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes taking these drugs, as they are at increased risk of neurological diseases. However, they caution that the study is observational and further research is needed to determine the long-term impact of this reduced risk. Minyoung Lee mentioned that the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on neurodegenerative diseases may be more about delaying the onset of dementia rather than preventing it entirely, and additional research is required to understand the mechanism behind the observed reduction in risk.
Further studies are ongoing to explore how SGLT2 inhibitors positively affect neurodegenerative diseases at a mechanistic level using animal models of dementia associated with metabolic disorders. While previous studies have provided insight from a broader perspective using nationwide databases, current research aims to elucidate the specific effects of these drugs on neurodegenerative conditions. Overall, the study highlights the potential of SGLT2 inhibitors as a promising treatment option not only for managing diabetes but also for reducing the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, offering hope for individuals at high risk for these conditions.
