Over the past year, there has been a significant increase in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, including drugs like liraglutide, for the treatment of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Researchers from Imperial College London have found that liraglutide may also have potential benefits in protecting the brain from developing Alzheimer’s disease by reducing cognitive decline. This new research was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2024 and suggests that GLP-1 analogues could be a promising avenue for improving cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
In a phase 2b clinical trial, researchers recruited 204 participants with mild Alzheimer’s disease and divided them into two groups: one receiving liraglutide and the other receiving a placebo. After 1 year of treatment, participants who received liraglutide showed an 18% slower decline in cognitive function compared to those who received the placebo. Additionally, participants taking liraglutide experienced almost 50% less brain volume loss in areas responsible for cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and spatial perception, suggesting that the drug may be beneficial in changing the underlying processes that lead to memory problems.
Dr. Paul Edison, lead author of the study, emphasized the potential of GLP-1 analogues in reducing the neurodegenerative processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. While this study provides encouraging results, Edison stressed the need for further research in larger populations through Phase 3 studies. Dr. David Merrill, a board-certified geriatric psychiatrist, highlighted the importance of medications like GLP-1 agonists as tools for reducing Alzheimer’s disease risk in individuals who may not be able to adhere to long-term lifestyle interventions.
Dr. Mir Ali, a board-certified bariatric surgeon, noted the unexpected connection between GLP-1 medications and Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that the drugs may be affecting chronic inflammation in the brain. He emphasized the need for further research to understand the mechanisms of action behind the potential benefits of GLP-1 analogues in Alzheimer’s disease. Moving forward, combining medications like GLP-1 agonists with healthy lifestyle interventions could be a promising approach to preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Overall, the study on the potential cognitive benefits of liraglutide in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease highlights the importance of exploring new treatment options beyond traditional medications. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms that make GLP-1 analogues a promising avenue for improving brain health and cognitive function in individuals with neurodegenerative conditions.
