Diabetes Medications Like Ozempic & Wegovy Show Promise in Lowering Alzheimer’s Risk

Let’s say being diabetic, or losing weight can also cut your Alzheimer’s risk. This is what research into drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has recently suggested. These were originally diabetes and weight loss medications. But recently, on what is seemingly an unlikely breakthrough, they are leading the charge. They could also help protect our brains as we age. This has given hope that Alzheimer’s could become one of the most feared conditions of the aging process.

GLP1 receptor agonists include Ozempic and Wegovy. They help to support blood sugar levels and are believed to aid weight loss. That is well documented success in these areas. People who are managing Type 2 diabetes, or who are looking for alternatives to lose weight — they are popular. But new studies suggest that while these drugs can help with metabolic health, they might do so much more. Bennett said they may reduce inflammation in the brain. It could slow down cognitive decline and decrease Alzheimer’s risk.

Read more: The Rising Health Risks and Severe Shortages Due to the Ozempic Boom

Alzheimer’s is a complicated disease. There is no known cure. Existing treatments control symptoms, not stop the disease. GLP-1 does come in and that’s where this is. They might reduce brain inflammation and amyloid plaque buildup by doing this by improving insulin sensitivity. Here you’ll find two key contributors to Alzheimer’s progression. Taking these drugs lowers your odds of developing Alzheimer’s, researchers have seen. More trials are needed and it’s still early. However, the implications are very exciting.

Dr. Allison Reiss, who’s an expert in Alzheimer’s research, agrees: Health of your brain and metabolism is intertwined. However, when blood sugar and insulin levels are controlled, it appears that the risk of damaging brain structures goes down. They think GLP-1 medications could protect those who are at risk of cognitive decline. The biggest risk of the disease, especially for people with diabetes, obesity, or a genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease, is this. That’s a hopeful new way of thinking about preventive medicine.

Read more: Ozempic and Wegovy: Promising Aids in Smoking Cessation

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone should rush out and get their prescription for Ozempic or Wegovy. The benefits promise, but more work is needed. Yet, we cannot recommend these drugs as a treatment for Alzheimer’s. The important thing is how our metabolic health dictates our brain health. And in the future, our brains may be helped if we keep diabetes in check or lose weight.

This is something you could discuss with your doctor if you are either managing diabetes or contemplating weight loss. We have not made any big conclusions yet, it is still early. The research, however, provides a new perspective on how linked our body’s systems really are. These drugs could lead small changes in metabolic health to big changes in brain health. It might help us age with control, physically and mentally.

Read more: Ozempic’s Role in Reducing Addiction Cravings

Disclaimer: What you are reading here is just for education. Before you change your medication or treatment plan, please consult your health care provider.

References:

• Fortune Well. Diabetes Weight Loss Drugs Ozempic and Wegovy May Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. Fortune, 2023.
• Reiss, Allison. Expert insights on Alzheimer’s and metabolic health.
• American Diabetes Association. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Type 2 Diabetes. 2023.
• Alzheimer’s Association. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and the Role of Inflammation. 2022.