Does Ozempic Lower the risk of Alzheimer's Disease?
The scientific community has made significant strides in developing new treatment options for Alzheimer's disease in recent years. As technology advances and more data is available through research, new medical treatments are becoming a possibility.
One emerging therapeutic approach is Ozempic.¹ Ozempic is widely known as a weekly injection for those with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) that helps lower blood sugar (glucose).² Ozempic (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is being investigated for its potential neuroprotective effects. Preliminary studies suggest that these drugs may reduce inflammation and offer benefits beyond glucose regulation, including possible protective effects against neurodegeneration.
Semaglutide stimulates insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels, ensuring insulin is released only when needed. This helps regulate blood sugar while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).³
Alzheimer's research continues to reveal complex causes behind the disease, with inflammation of the brain being brought to the forefront as an explanation.⁴ This particular condition is being referred to as “diabetes of the brain” by experts.
Like diabetes, Alzheimer’s has been shown to have strong links to chronic and systemic inflammation. This connection is leading many to wonder whether medications like Ozempic which are commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight management, might help address Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.
The Link Between Alzheimer’s and Diabetes
The connection between Alzheimer’s and diabetes has been established for some time in the medical community. Researchers have found that both conditions have characteristics of insulin resistance (IR) and inflammation.This particular form of inflammation can impair brain function which can eventually lead to cognitive decline.⁵
While insulin resistance is a key characteristic of type 2 diabetes (T2D), it has been found to be present in the brain of those with Alzheimer’s, suggesting a shared underlying pathology. This overlap of criterion, has the scientific community considering T2D medications like semaglutide, as it helps regulates blood sugar and may reduce some aspects of inflammation.⁶
A study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience in 2019 emphasized how Alzheimer’s is increasingly being seen as a metabolic disease of the brain. The brain glucose metabolism can leave to severe dysregulations which affect proper cognitive function.⁷
Semaglutide medications mimic the natural hormone production in the pancreas, having it produce more insulin when the blood sugar is high.⁸ There has not been a direct correlation with this form of medication directly addressing the inflammation in the brain.
Ongoing research is exploring how reducing insulin resistance may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's, as scientists have identified metabolic markers linked to the disease.⁹
While semaglutide may benefit some aspects of metabolic health, continued research is needed to see how it affects those with Alzheimer’s and if it could potentially be used as a preventive measure.
References:
2) https://www.ozempic.com/why-ozempic/what-is-ozempic.html
3) https://diet.mayoclinic.org/us/blog/2024/how-does-semaglutide-work/
4) https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00236/full
5) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13760-024-02706-7
7) https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2019.00236/full
8) https://news.uthscsa.edu/diabetes-obesity-drug-studied-for-effect-on-alzheimers/
9) https://academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology/article-abstract/80/3/glae283/7906244
