Researchers at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy have uncovered promising evidence that two widely used diabetes medications might offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
The study, published in JAMA Neurology on April 7, examined Medicare claims data for older adults with Type 2 diabetes. The focus was on the potential link between two classes of diabetes drugs—glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is)—and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
This research, which was supported by funding from the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, revealed a significant reduction in the risk of Alzheimer’s disease among users of GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is compared to other glucose-lowering treatments. The findings suggest that these medications may not only benefit individuals with diabetes but could also have neuroprotective effects in those without the condition. Furthermore, the drugs may slow cognitive decline in patients already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Serena Jingchuan Guo, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of pharmaceutical outcomes and policy at UF and senior author of the study, expressed optimism about the potential therapeutic applications of these drugs beyond diabetes and obesity management.
“It’s exciting to see that these diabetes treatments could also have neuroprotective effects,” Guo stated. “Based on our research, GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is show promise for Alzheimer’s prevention. As their usage grows, it’s crucial to assess their real-world benefits and risks for diverse patient populations.”
Guo’s team, which included William Donahoo, M.D., clinical professor and chief of UF Health’s Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, and Steven T. DeKosky, M.D., deputy director of the McKnight Brain Institute and a professor in UF’s Department of Neurology, emphasized the need for further research. Although this study focused solely on patients with Type 2 diabetes, the next step is to explore the impact of these drugs in broader populations using up-to-date clinical data.
Guo noted, “Future studies should aim to identify which patients would benefit most from these medications and understand any potential safety concerns that may arise for different groups.”
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