09 Apr Study Suggests GLP-1 Obesity Drugs Associated with Lower Risk of Dementia
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Reddin
Dr. Catriona Reddin MD
Fourth year Specialist Registrar in Geriatric Medicine and
an Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) fellow
University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Dementia is a leading cause of disability globally, which is projected to affect approximately 75 million people by 2030. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for dementia, it was unclear if glucose lower therapies reduce the risk of dementia. The research, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 clinical trials involving over 160,000 participants, found that while most glucose-lowering therapies were not significantly associated with a reduction in dementia risk, one class of drugs—GLP-1Ras—was linked to a significant reduction.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: We report that GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras) were linked to a 45% lower risk of dementia compared to control (placebo).
MedicalResearch.com: How long did patients need to be on these drugs to have an effect?
Response: The duration of follow up of included trials differed. The average follow-up was 31.4 months. We highlight this relatively short duration of follow-up as a limitation of our study
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Our findings suggest that glucose lowering therapy with GLP-1Ras are linked with lower risk of dementia. It’s possible that they may play a role as a preventative measure in the future. For example our findings may have implications for choice of glucose-lowering therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus and higher risk of dementia. However, large trials should be conducted to specifically study the effect of glucose-lowering therapy on dementia and cognitive decline. There are a number of trials ongoing looking at the effect of glucose lowering medications on cognition.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?
Response: Large trials randomised controlled trials should be conducted to specifically study the effect of glucose-lowering therapy on dementia and cognitive decline and dementia. There are a number of trials ongoing looking at the effect of glucose lowering medications on cognition.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?
Response: This study was led by two undergraduate medical students of University of Galway; Allie Seminer and Alfredi Mulihano. No disclosures.
Citation:
Seminer A, Mulihano A, O’Brien C, et al. Cardioprotective Glucose-Lowering Agents and Dementia Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Neurol. Published online April 07, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2025.0360
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2831975
The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition.
Some links may be sponsored. Products are not warranted or endorsed.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website.
Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD