Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, may lower the risk of dementia in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, found that participants taking semaglutide had a significantly reduced risk of developing vascular dementia compared to those on other diabetes treatments, although causation cannot be established from this associational study.

Lead author Rong Xu emphasized that about 50% of dementia cases could potentially be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors, highlighting the importance of strategies that target multiple risks simultaneously.

The study suggests that semaglutide's anti-inflammatory properties contribute to its potential protective effects against dementia.

In addition to its weight loss benefits, semaglutide has been linked to reduced cravings for nicotine and opioids.

While there are no known cures for dementia, many cases are potentially preventable, with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease identified as significant risk factors.

The findings indicate that the reduced dementia risk associated with semaglutide was observed across different age groups and obesity statuses among both men and women.

Future economic analyses are recommended to assess the cost-effectiveness of pharmacotherapy-based prevention strategies alongside lifestyle changes for dementia prevention.

Novo Nordisk is currently conducting two large-scale trials testing semaglutide for Alzheimer's, which are expected to conclude in 2025.

Semaglutide appears to address various dementia risk drivers, including inflammation, making it a promising candidate for preventative treatment.

The research team analyzed electronic records from nearly 1.7 million type 2 diabetes patients over three years, employing a statistical method akin to randomized clinical trials.

Dementia currently affects over 6 million people in the United States and is exacerbated by modifiable factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.