A new study says that Ozempic, a popular diabetes and weight loss medicine, may help reduce the risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes. The medicine’s main ingredient is semaglutide, which belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 agonists.
Experts say semaglutide targets many risk factors linked to dementia, such as obesity, diabetes, heart problems, and inflammation. Since there is currently no cure for dementia, preventing it is very important — especially in people at high risk.
Dementia includes brain problems like Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. While age and genetics are risk factors that can’t be change, others like diet, exercise, and diabetes management can help reduce the risk.
Researchers studied the health records of 1.7 million adults in the U.S. with type 2 diabetes. They found that people who took semaglutide had a lower chance of developing vascular dementia compared to those on other diabetes medicines like insulin or metformin.
Dr. Rong Xu, the lead researcher, explained that semaglutide reduces inflammation in the body, which may help protect the brain. It also improves blood sugar control, helps people lose weight, and supports heart health — all of which are link to better brain function.
However, the study does not prove that semaglutide causes lower dementia risk. More research, including clinical trials, is needed to confirm how it works.
Doctors who were not part of the study agree the results are promising. They believe that the drug’s ability to lower inflammation and improve overall health could explain the benefits seen in brain function.
Researchers now plan to study other similar drugs like tirzepatide (found in Zepbound and Mounjaro) to see if they have the same or better effects.
In the future, semaglutide may become part of a bigger plan to prevent dementia, along with healthy habits like exercise and diet. For now, it offers hope to those managing diabetes and worrying about brain health.
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