In this article, Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic is highlighted for its potential to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, as indicated by a recent study. The active ingredient in Ozempic, Semaglutide, was found to be linked with a 40% to 70% lower risk of a first-time Alzheimer’s diagnosis in patients with Type 2 diabetes compared to other diabetes medications, including insulin and older GLP-1 drugs. Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly 7 million Americans and is projected to increase to almost 13 million by 2050, making it a significant health concern.
Currently, there are no cures for Alzheimer’s, only treatments that manage symptoms or slow disease progression in its early stages. The study suggests that Semaglutide, being a potential preventive treatment, could be particularly beneficial. Dr. Rong Xu, a lead study co-author, emphasized the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and smoking to potentially prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
The study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the health benefits of GLP-1 medications beyond their primary uses in obesity and diabetes management. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are exploring the potential of their drugs in treating chronic conditions such as sleep apnea and fatty liver disease. Novo Nordisk is conducting a late-stage study on Alzheimer’s patients using Semaglutide.
The research conducted by Case Western Reserve University analyzed electronic health records of nearly 1 million U.S. patients with diabetes who had not been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s previously. Semaglutide was associated with significantly lower risks of Alzheimer’s diagnosis compared to other diabetes medications, including insulin, metformin, and other GLP-1 drugs. The study also found lower prescriptions for Alzheimer’s disease-related medications among patients taking Semaglutide.
Despite the promising results, the study has limitations due to its reliance on electronic health records. Further research, including clinical trials, is needed to confirm the potential of Semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs in preventing or delaying Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are also planning to investigate the impact of GLP-1 drugs on Alzheimer’s prevention in patients with obesity, with a focus on analyzing more patient data from drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound, which were recently approved for weight loss.
