It’s killing two birds with one stone.
Recent research highlights a potential link between medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in patients. Specifically, a comprehensive review of 16 studies involving over 1.5 million patients found that individuals treated with metformin or sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors had notably lower risks of developing these cognitive disorders compared to those using other diabetes medications.
Type 2 diabetes affects a vast number of people worldwide, approximately 530 million, and is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, with studies showing a 50% or higher elevated risk in affected individuals.
Lead researcher Yeo Jin Choi from Kyung Hee University emphasized the potential benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors in reducing dementia risk, particularly among older patients aged 75 years and above, who often face heightened concerns about cognitive health.
Metformin emerged as particularly promising in the review, showing the lowest risk associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease among the studied diabetic drugs. It functions by reducing liver glucose production and increasing muscle tissue sensitivity to insulin, as described by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
In contrast, SGLT-2 inhibitors like Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin) also demonstrated significant potential in protecting against cognitive decline. These medications work by increasing glucose excretion through urine, thereby lowering blood sugar levels and offering additional cardiovascular benefits beyond their primary role in diabetes management.
Of particular note, SGLT-2 inhibitors outperformed other drug classes, including metformin, in reducing dementia risk, especially among elderly patients. This finding suggests a dual benefit of these medications beyond controlling diabetes, potentially influencing broader aspects of health in aging populations, including heart failure management.
Overall, while metformin remains a cornerstone in type 2 diabetes treatment due to its efficacy and safety profile, the emerging evidence on SGLT-2 inhibitors indicates a promising avenue for reducing dementia risk among diabetic patients, particularly in older age groups. Further research will be crucial to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms through which these medications exert their protective effects on cognitive health.
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