You might be surprised to learn that a medication designed to help control blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes could also reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. That’s what a recent study by Case Western Reserve University suggests. The drug in question is called Ozempic, which contains semaglutide as its active ingredient. This substance mimics a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1, making you feel fuller for longer and indirectly reducing inflammation.

Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills, affecting nearly 7 million Americans over 65. One of the factors linking Type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer’s is high blood sugar, which can damage brain blood vessels and trigger inflammation. Obesity can also lead to chronic inflammation.

The study, led by biomedical informatics professor Rong Xu, analyzed the records of about 1 million Type 2 diabetic Americans over three years. They found that those taking semaglutide had a 40% to 70% lower chance of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s for the first time, particularly when compared to insulin and other GLP-1 drugs.

“This study provides real evidence that semaglutide may protect against neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, which are key factors in Alzheimer’s, ” said Xu. The results were consistent across various age, gender, and obesity groups. However, more research through clinical trials is needed to confirm these findings and explore semaglutide as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s.

Ozempic was approved by the FDA in 2017 to treat Type 2 diabetes, and its use in weight loss was approved in 2021. Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic, is currently conducting its own trials on semaglutide for early Alzheimer’s, with results expected next year.

Could Popular Diabetes Drug Help Fight Alzheimer’s?

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