June is Alzheimer’s and Mind Consciousness Month.
Promising analysis alert!
For those who watch TV or any display screen in any respect, you’ve in all probability heard of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, or GLP-1 medicine. The favored prescription weight-loss medicines assist handle blood sugar and cut back urge for food in individuals dwelling with Sort 2 diabetes and weight problems.
GLP-1 medicine have additionally been related to decreased threat for cardiovascular occasions, kidney occasions and kidney failure. Now, researchers are hoping so as to add Alzheimer’s to the listing.
A current research discovered that the GLP-1 drug semaglutide (which you will know as Ozempic and Wegovy), could sluggish the event of Alzheimer’s and even forestall the situation in individuals with Sort 2 diabetes.
“That’s a serious discovering, particularly because it was based mostly on real-world well being information from over one million individuals,” stated Babak Tousi, M.D., director of medical trials at Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Middle for Mind Well being in Cleveland, Ohio.
The research discovered individuals with Sort 2 diabetes who took semaglutide have been considerably much less possible — 40% to 70% — to be recognized with Alzheimer’s inside three years in comparison with individuals taking different diabetes medicines, together with different GLP-1 medicine.
“It means that semaglutide could also be doing extra than simply controlling blood sugar — it could offer actual mind safety,” Tousi stated.
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How semaglutide impacts mind well being
Analysis is ongoing relating to the impact of semaglutide on the mind — and most research contain animals thus far — however a rising physique of analysis reveals that semaglutide could profit cognitive operate in individuals with diabetes and/or weight problems by way of improved reminiscence, studying and general psychological efficiency.
One systematic evaluate discovered that semaglutide protected the blood-brain barrier, which is liable for stopping toxins, pathogens (substances that trigger illness) and different dangerous substances from leaking into the mind.
“Semaglutide could calm mind irritation, particularly within the mind’s immune cells referred to as microglia, and assist shield the blood-brain barrier — which acts like a safety guard for the mind,” Tousi stated. “It additionally seems to enhance blood stream, cut back oxidative stress — a kind of harm that builds up within the mind — and help mind cell operate. All of those components play a job in Alzheimer’s illness.”
One other research discovered that semaglutide reversed the indicators of ageing in key mind cells that assist preserve our mind clear, protected and balanced. “Age can result in these cells appearing up, inflicting irritation within the mind and confusion. Taking semaglutide helped these cells behave like they’d in youthful brains,” Tousi stated.
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Tousi additionally famous that the research discovered semaglutide prevented the formation of a kind of astrocyte — a mind cell that turns poisonous underneath stress — that worsens irritation and damages mind tissue, a course of additionally seen in Alzheimer’s illness.
That is just like the findings of yet another research, which famous that semaglutide improved cognitive capabilities in mice by performing a number of features, certainly one of which was lowering the quantity of amyloid plaques within the mind. Amyloid plaques are thought to play a job in Alzheimer’s, and this analysis means that semaglutide could not solely have a job in Alzheimer’s prevention, however may enhance Alzheimer’s in individuals who have already got it.
Semaglutide for individuals in danger for Alzheimer’s
Sort 2 diabetes and weight problems are each identified threat components for Alzheimer’s illness. However given the current findings in human research, semaglutide could also be useful for anybody in danger for Alzheimer’s illness.
“As a result of semaglutide seems to assist cut back irritation and shield the mind, there’s rising curiosity in whether or not it may additionally profit individuals with out diabetes, particularly these with early reminiscence issues or robust household historical past of dementia,” Tousi stated. “This might sign a future the place a typical diabetes drug performs an enormous function in mind well being and even dementia prevention.”
That is particularly necessary to notice for girls and other people assigned feminine at delivery (AFAB) since Alzheimer’s is extra frequent in ladies than males. About 1 in 5 ladies will likely be recognized with Alzheimer’s illness of their lifetime in comparison with 1 in 10 males.
There’s presently no treatment for Alzheimer’s, so developments in remedy choices to handle and forestall the illness are essential.
Promising new analysis on the horizon
There’s hope on the horizon relating to semaglutide’s function in stopping or treating Alzheimer’s illness. The outcomes of the first large-scale human research displaying whether or not semaglutide can sluggish Alzheimer’s in individuals with early phases of illness — even in individuals with out Sort 2 diabetes — will likely be launched in September.
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Tousi stated the research features a sub-study the place spinal fluid is being analyzed to assist uncover how the drug works within the mind. The research may present clues about semaglutide’s actual mechanism and information future remedies.
“It’s additionally value noting Alzheimer’s impacts ladies greater than males, and early information hints that semaglutide’s mind advantages could also be even stronger in ladies,” Tousi stated. “These trials ought to assist make clear that.”
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