A GLP-1 medication might protect against dementia, according to researchers of a phase 2 trial that found liraglutide could slow cognitive decline by 18% after one year of use.
In the study, 204 patients with mild Alzheimer's disease in the United Kingdom either received a daily injection of up to 1.8 milligrams of liraglutide or a placebo. The primary endpoint, which was changes in the cerebral glucose metabolic rate, was not met, according to a July 30 news release from the Alzheimer's Association.
However, the secondary endpoint, which was the change in scores for clinical and cognitive measures, and the exploratory endpoint of brain volume, showed statistically significant results. Compared to the placebo cohort, the liraglutide patients had nearly 50% less volume loss in several areas in the brain, including ones that control memory, learning, language and decision-making.
They also experienced a slower decline in cognitive function.
More research is needed, according to the lead author, Paul Edison, MD, PhD. Two brands of liraglutide are FDA-approved: Victoza is a Type 2 diabetes medication and Saxenda is a weight loss drug.
Multiple research teams are investigating the potential role of GLP-1s on Alzheimer's disease — which is one of many diseases that GLP-1s could affect. Currently, Novo Nordisk is conducting a three-year phase 3 trial to test how semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus) might change clinical dementia ratings. It is expected to be complete in 2026.