Can a GLP-1 drug help protect against cognitive decline? Over the past year, the interest in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Saxenda, has surged. Originally used to treat type 2 diabetes, these drugs are now being explored for their potential benefits in weight loss and other conditions. Researchers from Imperial College London have found that the GLP-1 drug liraglutide, sold under the brand names Saxenda and Victoza, may help protect the brain from developing Alzheimer’s disease by reducing cognitive decline.
In a recent phase 2b clinical trial involving 204 participants with mild Alzheimer’s disease, researchers found that those who received liraglutide experienced an 18% slower cognitive function decline compared to those who received a placebo. The study, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2024, revealed that participants who took liraglutide had almost 50% less volume loss in key areas of the brain responsible for cognitive functions like memory and attention. These findings suggest that liraglutide may have the potential to slow down the neurodegenerative process and improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Paul Edison, the lead author of the study, believes that liraglutide’s brain-protective effects may be attributed to its ability to reduce neuroinflammation, tau formation, insulin resistance, amyloid formation, and improve connectivity between brain cells. However, he emphasizes the need for larger Phase 3 studies to confirm these findings and better understand how GLP-1 drugs exert their effects on the brain. This research offers hope for new medications that could be widely used to address the complex mechanisms involved in Alzheimer’s disease progression.
Board-certified geriatric psychiatrist Dr. David Merrill views the study as promising, suggesting that medications like GLP-1 agonists could serve as critical tools in reducing memory loss in individuals at risk for dementia. He emphasizes the importance of combining drug therapy with healthy lifestyle interventions to optimize brain and body health. Dr. Mir Ali, a board-certified bariatric surgeon, highlights the potential role of GLP-1 medications in addressing chronic inflammation, which could contribute to their beneficial effects in Alzheimer’s disease. However, he stresses the need for further research to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying these effects.
As the use of GLP-1 drugs expands beyond their traditional indications, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, researchers are uncovering new potential benefits for these medications in protecting against cognitive decline. The promising findings from the Imperial College London study suggest that liraglutide, a GLP-1 drug, may offer neuroprotective effects that could help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Future studies will be crucial in confirming these findings and exploring the mechanisms through which GLP-1 drugs exert their brain-protective effects.
