Ozempic Use Linked to Reduced Dementia Risk, Nicotine Consumption: Study

A widely used diabetes medication, Ozempic (semaglutide), may be associated with a reduced risk of cognitive issues, according to an observational study conducted by researchers at Oxford University and published in the Lancet's eClinicalMedicine journal.

The study revealed that Ozempic was not linked to an increased risk of neurological or psychiatric conditions, including anxiety and depression. Furthermore, patients taking Ozempic experienced lower rates of cognitive decline and nicotine use.

Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, is a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by increasing insulin production, decreasing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. This helps control blood sugar levels. Ozempic is administered via a once-weekly injection and is also associated with weight loss, making it beneficial for overweight or obese patients.

The study utilized medical records from over 100,000 patients, employing statistical methods to ensure accurate comparisons. It is the latest in a series of trials highlighting potential benefits of semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic and its obesity medicine Wegovy, beyond diabetes control and weight loss. Most benefits, such as improvements to the heart, kidneys, and arthritic knees, are linked to weight loss. Additionally, scientists are investigating whether semaglutide can help treat alcoholism by reducing the urge to drink.

Unlike randomized trials, this observational study did not assign patients to take Ozempic or other drugs. Instead, it found that patients on semaglutide had lower rates of cognitive decline and nicotine use. A Danish study reached similar conclusions, following people with type 2 diabetes for five years and noting a lower incidence of dementia among those on semaglutide or liraglutide.

Semaglutide acts as an insulin regulator, aiding the pancreas in releasing the correct amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. While there are no known receptors for semaglutide in the brain region responsible for memory, its potential in treating dementia is being explored. Two clinical trials, starting in 2021 and set to conclude in 2025, are testing whether semaglutide can slow the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Reference: Ozempic linked with lower dementia risk, nicotine use, British study; eClinicalMedicine; The lancet; 12 July 2024