Type 2 diabetes drug associated with 35% lower risk of dementia, study finds
A study in the BMJ found SGLT-2 inhibitors linked to a 35% lower dementia risk, with significant reductions for Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, though causation remains unproven and findings are questioned.
Read original article
A recent study published in the BMJ indicates that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes, are associated with a 35% lower risk of developing dementia. The research, conducted in Korea, analyzed data from over 220,000 type 2 diabetics aged 40 to 69 who were not diagnosed with dementia at the start of the study. Among the participants, those taking SGLT-2 inhibitors showed a 39% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and a 52% reduced risk of vascular dementia compared to those on dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. While the findings are promising, the authors caution that the study is observational and cannot establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Experts emphasize the potential of repurposing existing medications for dementia treatment, which could expedite clinical trials and reduce costs. However, some researchers express skepticism about the magnitude of the findings, suggesting that the study design may have influenced the results. The global prevalence of dementia is projected to rise significantly, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments.
- SGLT-2 inhibitors are linked to a 35% lower risk of dementia.
- The study also found a 39% reduced risk for Alzheimer’s and a 52% reduced risk for vascular dementia.
- The research is observational and does not prove causation.
- Repurposing existing drugs could accelerate dementia treatment development.
- Some experts question the validity of the study's findings due to potential design flaws.
Related
Rare form of eye stroke that causes blindness now linked to Ozempic and Wegovy
A study links Ozempic and Wegovy to increased risk of rare blindness (NAION) in diabetes and obesity patients. While causation isn't confirmed, caution and consultation with healthcare providers are advised. Novo Nordisk prioritizes patient safety.
GLP-1 Drugs Like Wegovy, Ozempic Potentially Linked to Blinding Disease
A study suggests a potential link between GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and a rare blinding disease called NAION in patients with diabetes or obesity. Further research is needed to clarify this association.
Two new dementia risks identified by major report
A Lancet Commission report identifies failing eyesight and high cholesterol as new dementia risk factors, suggesting that addressing 14 health issues could prevent nearly half of global cases by 2050.
Almost half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed, study finds
A Lancet study reveals nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors. Proactive measures and public health interventions may significantly reduce dementia rates and costs.
Addressing Dementia Risk Factors Could Reduce Dementia Rates by 45 Percent
A study in The Lancet reveals that addressing 14 modifiable risk factors could delay or prevent nearly half of dementia cases, potentially reducing global prevalence by 45%, especially in low-income countries.
7 comments- SGLT-2 inhibitors: canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, sotagliflozin, bexagliflozin
- DPP-4 inhibitors: sitagliptin, saxagliptin, linagliptin
Other beneficial drugs beyond/with/for diabetes and/or weight:
- Metformin
- AGIs: acarbose
- GLP-1 agonists: tirzepatide, semaglutide, liraglutide
- DACRAs: cagrilintide
Maybe in the future it will be possible to manage a person's glucose and related hormone levels in roughly a continuous keto or borderline low blood sugar state using the equivalent of an "insulin pump" and a real-time blood glucose monitor control system such that it doesn't promote low-blood sugar neurological symptoms.
For some reason GLP-1 drugs are not that popular in Korea (and still not prescribed just for the weight loss), so that may explain why these researchers haven't done that.
Related
Rare form of eye stroke that causes blindness now linked to Ozempic and Wegovy
A study links Ozempic and Wegovy to increased risk of rare blindness (NAION) in diabetes and obesity patients. While causation isn't confirmed, caution and consultation with healthcare providers are advised. Novo Nordisk prioritizes patient safety.
GLP-1 Drugs Like Wegovy, Ozempic Potentially Linked to Blinding Disease
A study suggests a potential link between GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and a rare blinding disease called NAION in patients with diabetes or obesity. Further research is needed to clarify this association.
Two new dementia risks identified by major report
A Lancet Commission report identifies failing eyesight and high cholesterol as new dementia risk factors, suggesting that addressing 14 health issues could prevent nearly half of global cases by 2050.
Almost half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed, study finds
A Lancet study reveals nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors. Proactive measures and public health interventions may significantly reduce dementia rates and costs.
Addressing Dementia Risk Factors Could Reduce Dementia Rates by 45 Percent
A study in The Lancet reveals that addressing 14 modifiable risk factors could delay or prevent nearly half of dementia cases, potentially reducing global prevalence by 45%, especially in low-income countries.