Novo Nordisk's popular diabetes medication, Ozempic, has shown promise in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study released Thursday.
The research suggests that the drug, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, might play a role in delaying or even preventing the onset of this memory-impairing condition.
Semaglutide Linked to Reduced Alzheimer's Risk in Diabetes Patients
In the study, researchers analyzed data from nearly one million diabetes patients in the United States. They discovered that those taking semaglutide had a significantly lower risk-between 40% to 70%-of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's compared to those on other diabetes medications, including insulin and metformin.
The findings indicate that Ozempic may be more effective in this regard than other treatments available to diabetes patients. Alzheimer's disease, which currently affects nearly seven million Americans, is a progressive condition that typically starts with mild memory loss and can lead to severe cognitive impairment, said CNBC.
The disease is the fifth-leading cause of death for adults aged 65 and older, with projections estimating that nearly 13 million people in the US could be living with Alzheimer's by 2050.
Despite no current cures for Alzheimer's, the discovery of a potential preventive treatment like semaglutide is seen as a significant advancement. Researchers emphasized the importance of addressing risk factors associated with Alzheimer's, such as obesity and diabetes, which are often preventable through lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
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A Shift Toward Early Alzheimer's Prevention
The study's lead author, Dr. Rong Xu, highlighted the importance of early intervention, explaining that many patients are diagnosed with Alzheimer's only when it is too late for effective treatment.
The potential of semaglutide to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's could shift how the medical community approaches both diabetes management and Alzheimer's prevention. This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that GLP-1 medications, which are commonly used to treat obesity and diabetes, may offer additional health benefits beyond blood sugar regulation.
Ozempic, along with other drugs in its class, has been the subject of various studies exploring its effects on conditions such as sleep apnea and fatty liver disease. While the current study has provided promising results, researchers cautioned that further investigation is needed.
They plan to conduct clinical trials to confirm how effective semaglutide can be in preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease, according to Bloomberg.
The study's findings are also expected to encourage more funding for research into the drug's mechanisms and broader applications in treating chronic conditions.
