GLP-1 drug associated with lower risk of Alzheimer’s in those with diabetes
November 7, 2024
Summary: Treatment with semaglutide for diabetes was associated with decreased incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Source: Wang, et al Alzheimers and Dementia, October 24, 2024
Researchers used medical records from 116 million people over 60 who were newly diagnosed with diabetes to create retrospective virtual studies to compare outcomes among people who were prescribed either semaglutide (Ozempic,) or other medications for diabetes. Specifically, they looked at the likelihood of diagnosis of Alzheimer’s in matched cohorts of between 10,847 and 17,487 patients who were followed for three years.
They found that rates of Alzheimer’s diagnosis were between 40% and 69% lower in those who were prescribed semaglutide to treat their diabetes. Note that other GLP-1 drugs did not include tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), which was not yet available.
This is an “emulation” trial, not a randomized controlled trial, and it’s possible that there were differences between those prescribed semaglutide and those prescribed other medications. For instance, those prescribed insulin might have had a greater burden of illness or might have had less generous insurance. Nonetheless, this consistent lower rate of Alzheimer’s diagnosis is impressive.
Implications for employers:
- This is not strong enough evidence to recommend semaglutide to prevent Alzheimer’s or to treat early dementia.
- Nonetheless, this data will encourage providers to strongly consider GLP-1 drugs as first line therapy for their patients with diabetes.
- This is yet another reason why gaining access to potent GLP-1 medications at a reasonable acquisition cost is so important.
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Thursday: Shorts and follow ups, including vaccination, psychiatric drugs, transgender care, bariatric surgery and a medical miracle