Yesterday NU.nl published an article discussing a study on the effects on the health of users of weight-loss drugs. The Washington University study found that their use could potentially play a role in treating conditions such as dementia. In this blog, we dive deeper into the findings of the study and what this could mean for the future. Please note that these and other weight-loss drugs are only approved for the treatment of diabetes and obesity (BMI ≥ 27 with a weight-related condition, or BMI ≥ 30) for now.
Washington University’s research
Scientists from Washington University investigated whether semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) may have an effect on the development of dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is considered “type 3 diabetes” since patients with diabetes have an increased risk of developing dementia. The researchers analyzed medical data from a large group of patients with type 2 diabetes. The results of this study were promising: patients who used semaglutide had a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer’s compared to those who used other diabetes medications. The exact mechanisms that caused this risk difference are still unclear. The scientists suggest that semaglutide’s anti-inflammatory and metabolic properties could possibly have a protective effect on the brain.
Future Prospect
The discoveries have led to growing interest in the medical community. Pharmaceutical companies are setting up several large-scale clinical trials. With these, they want to further investigate the effects of semaglutide on the brain. If these studies confirm Washington University’s findings, it could mean a lot for the treatment of conditions such as dementia. While these prospects are hopeful, it is important to emphasize that semaglutide is currently not officially approved for use in dementia. The drug is prescribed as a treatment for diabetes and weight loss. Therefore, it is essential that follow-up research and clinical trials provide further insight into the safety and efficacy of this application.
Conclusion
The NU.nl article sheds light on an unexpected potential application of semaglutide. While initial results are promising, it remains crucial to exercise caution and wait for further studies that can confirm these results and safety in the context of dementia.