
Ozempic and Wegovy may cut dementia risk by 45% and manage diabetes, study finds
A groundbreaking study has revealed that GLP-1 receptor agonists—including popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro- may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia.
The analysis, conducted by Irish researchers and published in
JAMA Neurology
, involved data from over 164,000 participants and found that these medications reduced the risk of memory-robbing disorders by up to 45 per cent. These findings not only open new avenues for neurological protection but also position GLP-1 drugs as powerful tools in both metabolic and cognitive health management.
Study links GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro to lower dementia risk
Researchers from the University of Galway reviewed 26 clinical trials involving 164,531 individuals—65% of whom were men, with an average age of 64.
The participants were followed for an average of 31 months. The key discovery: patients taking GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) were 45% less likely to develop dementia compared to those on other glucose-lowering medications.
Dr. Catriona Reddin, senior study author, said, 'Our findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists, in particular, may have a protective effect on brain health.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
How GLP-1 agonists may protect against dementia
Although the exact mechanism remains under investigation, researchers propose several pathways through which GLP-1 medications could shield the brain:
Reduced neuroinflammation: These drugs may lower inflammation in the brain, which is known to damage neurons and trigger dementia symptoms.
Decrease in amyloid and tau proteins: GLP-1 agonists could suppress the accumulation of toxic proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Improved blood vessel health: They may reduce blood pressure and enhance blood flow, preventing vascular dementia.
Neurogenesis stimulation: Early research suggests these drugs may promote neural growth in the hippocampus, the brain region essential for memory.
GLP-1 drugs may help prevent both diabetes and dementia
The new study aligns with earlier research from the University of Florida, which followed 400,000 Americans and reported a 33% lower risk of dementia among GLP-1 users compared to other treatments.
This growing body of evidence supports the role of semaglutide and tirzepatide not only in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity but potentially in preventing cognitive decline.
Professor Martin O'Donnell, Dean at the University of Galway, emphasised, 'With both diabetes and dementia rising, these findings have major public health implications.'
Dementia and diabetes: Twin epidemics in the US
The study arrives amid alarming trends:
Over 8 million Americans currently live with dementia, with 500,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
Diabetes now affects 38 million people in the US; around 12% of the population.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's rates have climbed 25 consecutive years.
The intersection of these two epidemics highlights the urgency of therapies that can address both conditions simultaneously.
Study highlights need for more GLP-1 brain health data
While the findings are promising, researchers caution that more work is needed to confirm the results. Notable limitations include:
Lack of data on dementia subtypes like Lewy body and vascular dementia
Differences in study design and follow-up durations
Unclear long-term cognitive outcomes for different age groups and genders
Still, this analysis lays essential groundwork for future research into neurometabolic protection via GLP-1 therapies.
Originally celebrated as breakthrough treatments for obesity and diabetes, these medications may now be poised to take on an even broader role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
As Dr. Reddin concluded, 'This research marks a significant advancement in how we understand the brain benefits of diabetes medications.'
This article is based on findings from a study published in JAMA Neurology (July 2024). While the research links GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro to reduce dementia risk, it is observational and does not prove direct causation. Further studies are needed. Always consult a healthcare provider before making medication decisions.
Also Read |
5 coffee routine habits that could be doing more harm than good, say experts
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
KGMU intensifies preps for NAAC evaluation
Lucknow: KGMU is going all out on its mission to secure a higher grade in the upcoming assessment by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The NAAC peer team is scheduled to visit the university for a three-day inspection from July 31 to Aug 2. Having received an 'A+' grade in 2023, the university reapplied with the objective of improving its overall score and getting A++ (the top grade). According to the officials, vice chancellor Prof Soniya Nityanand is supervising the preparations, with all clinical and non-clinical departments aligning their work with the assessment framework. Mock presentations are being conducted across departments to highlight various aspects of institutional functioning. NAAC assesses higher education institutions on seven key criteria: teaching-learning and evaluation; research, innovations, and extension; infrastructure and learning resources; student support and progression; governance, leadership and management; and institutional values and best practices. In its previous assessment, KGMU received lower scores in areas related to student activities and placement outcomes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doctor: '10-Second Morning Method Helps Drain Swollen Legs" (See How) goldentree Learn More Undo The university also faced difficulties in presenting its research data comprehensively. Steps have since been taken to address these gaps. KGMU comprises 149 buildings, 77 departments and over 4,000 hospital beds. It has a workforce of more than 550 faculty members, 800 resident doctors and approximately 10,000 other staff members. To support its operations and academic initiatives, the Uttar Pradesh govt allocated Rs 1,843.7 crore to the university in this year's budget. "Ahead of the NAAC visit, the university has worked to compile its research documentation and improve student-related activities. Efforts are focused on presenting these developments clearly during the assessment," said a senior official.


Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
China PM warns against a global AI 'monopoly'
China PM warns against a global AI 'monopoly' China will spearhead the creation of an international organisation to jointly develop AI, the country's premier said, seeking to ensure that the world-changing technology doesn't become the province of just a few nations or companies. Artificial intelligence harbours risks from widespread job losses to economic upheaval that require nations to work together to address, Premier Li Qiang told the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai on Saturday. That means more international exchanges, Beijing's No 2 official said during China's most important annual technology summit. Li didn't name any countries in his short address to kick off the event. But Chinese executives and officials have taken aim at Washington's efforts to curtail the Asian country's tech sector, including by slapping restrictions on the export of Nvidia chips crucial to AI development. On Saturday, Li acknowledged a shortage of semiconductors was a major bottleneck, but reaffirmed President Xi Jinping's call to establish policies to propel Beijing's ambitions. The govt will now help create a body - loosely translated as the World AI Cooperation Organization - through which countries can share insights and talent. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Female Athletes Right Now Undo "Currently, key resources and capabilities are concentrated in a few countries and a few enterprises. If we engage in technological monopoly, controls and restrictions, AI will become an exclusive game for a small number of countries and enterprises," Li told hundreds of delegates huddled at the conference venue on the banks of Shanghai's iconic Huangpu river. China and the US are locked in a race to develop a technology with the potential to turbocharge economies and - over the long run - tip the balance of geopolitical power. This week, US President Donald Trump signed executive orders to loosen regulations and expand energy supplies for data centers - a call to arms to ensure companies like OpenAI and Google help safeguard America's lead in the post-ChatGPT era. At the same time, the breakout success of DeepSeek has inspired Chinese tech leaders and startups to accelerate research and roll out AI products. The weekend conference in Shanghai - gathering star founders, Beijing officials and deep-pocketed financiers by the thousands - is designed to catalyze that movement. The event, which has featured Elon Musk and Jack Ma in years past, was launched in 2018. This year's attendance may hit a record because it's taking place at a critical juncture in the global race to lead GenAI development. It's already drawn some notable figures: Nobel Prize laureate Geoffrey Hinton and former Google chief Eric Schmidt were among heavyweights who met Shanghai party boss Chen Jining Thursday, before they were due to speak at the event.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Bengaluru researchers develop durable sensor to detect explosives
Bengaluru: A team of researchers from the city has developed a sensitive and durable sensor that can detect explosives such as TNT and RDX at trace levels, offering new possibilities for real-world use in security and pollution monitoring. As per the department of science and technology (DST), the innovation — based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) — overcomes long-standing limitations in the field by improving both sensitivity and long-term stability. The breakthrough was achieved by Jil Rose Perutil, S Prashanth, Channabasaveshwar V Yelamaggad, Pavan Nukala, and Neena S John from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute of DST. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru "The team engineered a multilayer nanomaterial combining reduced graphene oxide (rGO), silver nanoparticles, and cerium oxide on a glass substrate — each layer serving a distinct role in improving performance," DST said. Silver, though excellent at amplifying molecular "fingerprint" signals essential for SERS, tends to degrade in humid or warm environments. A protective coating of cerium oxide solves this by shielding the silver layer from environmental wear while enhancing charge transfer, further boosting signal clarity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe the Price of These Dubai Apartments Binghatti Developers FZE Get Offer Undo The rGO layer, meanwhile, suppresses unwanted background fluorescence from silver, allowing the actual detection signal to stand out. "The researchers demonstrated the system's high sensitivity using 4-mercaptobenzoic acid as a model analyte and achieved detection limits as low as 10 nanomolar. More significantly, the same platform could detect explosives like TNT and RDX at similar nanomolar levels," DST said. Tests in environmental chambers confirmed that the sensor maintained high performance even in extreme conditions — 90% humidity and 7 °C — showcasing its potential for rugged, field-ready deployment. "Developed using a physical vapour deposition technique, the sensor's fabrication process is uniform and scalable, suggesting commercial promise. With its combination of durability, simplicity, and precision, the team says the platform could be used in airport screening systems, defence applications, or even environmental monitoring where detecting trace contaminants rapidly is critical," DST added.