19 February 2023 , 10:00
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A healthy diet and regular exercise are frequently touted as ways to help ward off Alzheimer's - but scientists now say a cheap diabetes drug could slash risk of the disease by up to 54 per cent.
The affordable tablets, costing around 30p each, could be a real 'game changer', according to a study published in the journal Neurology.
Actos, known medically as pioglitazone, is taken by millions of diabetics to help control blood sugar levels by boosting the hormone insulin - but it could also help slow mental decline.
Lead author Dr Eosu Kim, from Yonsei University in South Korea, said: "Since dementia develops for years before diagnosis, there may be an opportunity for intervening before it progresses."
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The study found that benefits linked to the pill were strongest for those who also had a history of stroke or ischaemic heart disease.
These patients were, respectively, found to be 43 and 54 per cent less likely to develop the brain disorder.
The figures were calculated after accounting for potentially aggravating factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking and physical activity.
Overall, incidence of dementia - which describes a cluster of symptoms associated with ongoing cognitive decline - fell by 16 per cent among participants prescribed the drug.
And the longer the patients took pioglitazone, the lower their risk was.
There are many things we can do to keep dementia at bay. (Getty Images)The research team reported that the risk fell by 22 and 37 per cent in people who used the medication for two and four years, respectively.
The study findings were based on 91,218 individuals in South Korea tracked for an average of a decade, with 3,467 participants taking pioglitazone.
Importantly, the study findings suggest that only people with diabetes might be able to reap this benefit.
Dr Kim said: "These results provide valuable information on who could potentially benefit from pioglitazone use for prevention of dementia.
"In some previous studies of people with dementia or at risk of cognitive decline who did not have diabetes, pioglitazone did not show any protection against dementia.
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"So, it is likely a critical factor affecting the effectiveness is the presence of diabetes. More research is needed to confirm these findings."
As with all medicines, the small pill doesn’t come without potential side effects, with users reporting swelling, bone loss, weight gain and congestive heart failure.
The team added that more research, which will focus on the long-term safety of the drug as well as the optimal dose, is needed.
Early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
The NHS says the main symptom of early-stage Alzheimer's disease is a lapse in memory.
For example, a sufferer may:
- Forget about recent conversations or events
- Misplace items
- Forget the names of places and objects
- Have trouble thinking of the right word
- Ask questions repetitively
- Show poor judgement or find it harder to make decisions
- Become less flexible and more hesitant to try new things
There are often signs of mood changes, such as increasing anxiety or agitation, or periods of confusion.
Five golden rules to cut dementia risk
Keeping physically and mentally active, and getting enough sleep are among five ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia by a fifth, says a top professor.
Quitting smoking, losing weight and getting more social interaction can also help to stave off the life-altering syndrome.
While genetic factors are out of our control, renowned researcher, Prof Sir Muir Gray, says we can still help ourselves.
He said: “Dementia is a terrifying prospect, but we can all reduce our risk and should act now;"
1. Keep mind and body active: avoid sitting still and take regular exercise such as walking; keep mentally fit by reading and learning something new.
2. Keep weight, blood sugar and blood pressure down: eat a diet packed with fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts and pulses.
3. Stop smoking: singly the greatest way to damage your health.
4. Sleep better and learn to relax and reduce stress: you don’t need less sleep as you grow older, but more.
5. Engage with others: become a volunteer and join online social groups.