Common drugs could be used to help prevent dementia, new research claims
Drugs initially designed to manage type 2 diabetes and treat obesity are now being explored for their potential to treat a wide range of conditions like dementia.
Ozempic and Wegovy which contain the drug semaglutide, have gained immense popularity primarily due to their ability to facilitate weight loss . However recent research suggests that they could hold the key to addressing various health issues beyond their primary indications.
Dr Christian Hendershot, director of the clinical and translational addiction research programme at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said: “We know that drugs in this class are remarkably effective for several important health outcomes – many of which can influence longevity and quality of life.
“In some ways there is a sense that some of this might be too good to be true. But I think any potential benefits should be investigated.”
Researchers are now exploring if these drugs could be used to treat dementia (Getty Images)Clinical trials are being set up to study the impact of semaglutide on various health issues, including alcohol misuse, dementia, and addiction.
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Dr Paul Yates, a consultant geriatrician, is among the researchers looking into whether drugs like semaglutide could help dementia. Studies have suggested that people who took GLP-1 analogues like semaglutide for diabetes had a reduced incidence of dementia and other cognitive conditions.
GLP-1 and its analogues appear to have beneficial effects in the brain. The current study is aiming to see if semaglutide can slow the progression of dementia symptoms in people who already have some cognitive decline
It's thought that semaglutide and related drugs may positively impact pathways in the brain that are important for memory and cognition
Dr. Harshal Deshmukh of the University of Hull also highlighted the associations between excessive weight and comorbidities like fatty liver, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and even polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a disorder affecting hormone balance, irregular periods, and infertility.
A significant breakthrough came from Novo Nordisk, the producer of Wegovy, which recently revealed that this weight-loss drug could reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events by 20 per cent in overweight or obese individuals.
Experts are optimistic about the potential of these medications to revolutionize treatment for various conditions, including aging-related issues.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding these revolutionary drugs, researchers emphasize the importance of rigorous research and clinical trials. Many studies are still in their early stages, and it remains uncertain whether these drugs will have universal benefits across different patient groups.
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