The diabetes drug Ozempic, along with other GLP-1 agonists, is gaining attention not just for weight loss and managing diabetes, but also for its potential to protect the brain against dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. In a recent clinical trial involving over 200 participants with mild Alzheimer’s, a GLP-1 drug called liraglutide was shown to slow cognitive decline over the course of a year. Those who received the drug demonstrated better memory, language skills, and decision-making abilities compared to those who took a placebo.
The trial is part of the Evaluating Liraglutide in Alzheimer’s Disease (ELAD) study, led by Dr. Paul Edison at Imperial College London. This research builds on previous findings in mice that suggested liraglutide not only supports brain health but also protects neurons from the degenerative effects of Alzheimer’s. In humans, the drug appeared to reduce the loss of brain volume by nearly 50% in areas associated with memory, compared to those who received the placebo.
While the study’s results are promising, they are still awaiting formal peer review. However, they align with growing evidence that GLP-1 drugs could offer a new avenue for slowing cognitive decline. For example, a Swedish study involving over 88,000 participants with Type 2 diabetes found that GLP-1 drugs were more effective than other diabetes medications in reducing the risk of dementia.
Although the exact mechanisms through which GLP-1 drugs protect the brain remain unclear, they likely involve reducing inflammation, clearing toxic protein clumps, and improving neuron communication. The results of this research could pave the way for new treatments for Alzheimer’s, with ongoing trials like the EVOKE Plus study of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) expected to provide more data by 2026.
Repurposing existing drugs like GLP-1 agonists for Alzheimer’s treatment has the advantage of leveraging prior knowledge about their safety and effectiveness, which could a accelerate the development of new therapies for cognitive decline.