Weight loss jabs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro may reduce the risk of dementia and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, a new study suggests. Researchers from Taiwan analysed data from around 60,000 people worldwide with an average age of 58 who had both conditions.
Participants were given either a GLP-1 receptor agonist, including semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro), or a placebo. Over seven years, those taking the drugs had a 37% lower risk of developing dementia and a 19% reduced risk of stroke compared to the control group. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period.
The researchers noted even greater benefits among those aged 60 or older, women, and individuals with a body mass index between 30 and 40. No significant differences were observed for Parkinson's disease or brain bleeds. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.
Commenting on the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones of the University of Edinburgh said: “This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors.” Dr Richard Oakley from Alzheimer’s Society added: “There are clinical trials currently looking at whether drugs like these can be used to treat early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, so this is a really exciting area being explored.”
The academics said their results suggest “potential neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits” of the drugs but called for further randomised controlled trials to confirm the effects.
