Dementia, a condition that affects memory, behavior, and the ability to think, is a growing concern worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 50 million people suffering from dementia globally, and this number is expected to triple by 2050.

Various factors increase the risk of developing dementia, including diabetes. Diabetes reduces blood flow to the brain and can cause inflammation that affects brain cells.

Recent research has shown a link between diabetes and dementia, and scientists are continually working to find ways to reduce the risk of dementia in people with diabetes. And now, researchers have found a new anti-diabetic medication that can reduce the risk of developing dementia.

What is the New Anti-Diabetic Medication?

The new medication is called GLP-1R agonist, and it works by mimicking the effects of a gut hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 is secreted in the intestine in response to food and stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas.

In people with type 2 diabetes, the GLP-1 response is deficient. GLP-1R agonist works by binding to the GLP-1 receptor on the beta cells of the pancreas, which stimulates the release of insulin and lowers blood sugar levels.

GLP-1R agonist has been found to have several benefits besides controlling blood sugar levels. It can reduce weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.

Researchers have now found another benefit of the medication – it can reduce the risk of developing dementia in people with type 2 diabetes.

How Does GLP-1R Agonist Reduce Dementia Risk?

The exact mechanism by which GLP-1R agonist reduces dementia risk is not fully understood. However, research studies have shown that the medication can improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and protect brain cells from damage.

GLP-1R agonist increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that helps neurons grow and survive. BDNF also promotes the formation of new synapses, which are crucial for learning and memory.

Studies have also shown that GLP-1R agonist can reduce the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

Beta-amyloid protein forms clumps in the brain and disrupts neuronal communication, leading to cognitive decline and memory loss. By reducing the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein, GLP-1R agonist can protect brain cells and improve cognitive function.

Research Studies on GLP-1R Agonist

Several research studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of GLP-1R agonist on dementia risk. In a study published in The Lancet Neurology, researchers followed 214,000 people with type 2 diabetes for an average of 7 years.

The study found that people who were treated with GLP-1R agonist had a 51% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who were not treated with the medication.

Another study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease investigated the effects of GLP-1R agonist on cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

MCI is a condition characterized by cognitive decline that is not severe enough to meet the criteria for dementia. The study found that people who were treated with GLP-1R agonist for 6 months had a significant improvement in cognitive function compared to those who were not treated with the medication.

Conclusion

Dementia is a growing concern worldwide, and diabetes is a significant risk factor for developing the condition. GLP-1R agonist, a new anti-diabetic medication, has been found to reduce the risk of developing dementia in people with type 2 diabetes.

The medication improves cognitive function, reduces inflammation, protects brain cells from damage, and reduces the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein. Several research studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of GLP-1R agonist on dementia risk and cognitive function. The medication is a promising treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes who are at risk of developing dementia.