A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden suggests that a popular diabetes drug may also help protect the brain.
This medication, known as a GLP-1 agonist, is normally used to treat type 2 diabetes. But now researchers believe it might also lower the risk of dementia in people with diabetes.
This discovery is important because people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop dementia. Dementia is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and daily life. Scientists have been wondering whether some diabetes drugs might do more than just control blood sugar—they might also help protect the brain.
GLP-1 agonists are already known for helping people lose weight and improving heart health. Now, their potential to support brain health is also being studied.
In this large study, researchers looked at more than 88,000 older adults with type 2 diabetes. They followed them for up to ten years to see how different medications affected their chances of developing dementia.
The study used a method called “target trial emulation.” This approach is designed to give results similar to a clinical trial, making the findings more reliable.
The researchers compared three types of diabetes drugs: GLP-1 agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, and sulfonylureas. They found that people taking GLP-1 agonists had a 30% lower risk of developing dementia than those on sulfonylureas, and a 23% lower risk than those on DPP-4 inhibitors.
Bowen Tang, a PhD student involved in the study, explained that this could help doctors choose better treatments for older patients with diabetes—especially those at risk for memory problems. Choosing a medicine that controls blood sugar and may also protect the brain could be a smart move.
Even though these results are promising, scientists say more studies are needed. They want to run randomized clinical trials to make sure the link between GLP-1 agonists and lower dementia risk is real and not just a coincidence. These future studies will help confirm if this medicine can really prevent dementia across different groups of people.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence that managing diabetes well is not only good for your heart and weight, but also for your brain. It also reminds us of the importance of regular checkups and choosing the right medication based on each person’s needs.
If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about the latest research. They can help you understand the best treatment options for your situation—including those that may offer extra protection for your brain.
If you care about brain health ,please read studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and cranberries could help boost memory.
For more health information, please see recent studies about heartburn drugs that could increase risk of dementia, and results showing this MIND diet may protect your cognitive function, prevent dementia.
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