Potential Neuroprotective Effects
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are associated with a reduced risk of dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes, with GLP-1RAs linked to a 33% lower risk and SGLT2is to a 43% lower risk.
Supporting this, research from the University of Florida highlighted semaglutide, a GLP-1RA, as promising in reducing the risk of conditions impairing memory and thought processes, though further research is needed to understand the mechanisms.
Conflicting Evidence and Future Research
Despite the promising findings, a review of existing evidence from Ireland found GLP-1 drugs significantly reduced dementia risk, while SGLT2is showed no such association, underscoring the need for more comprehensive studies.
Recent studies call for longer tracking of patients and consideration of other influencing factors such as overall health, income, or education, to fully understand the potential protective effects of these drugs against dementia.