A new study offers promising evidence that semaglutide, a medication commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss, may have a beneficial impact on Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects millions worldwide. Researchers in China explored the drug’s effects using mouse models of Alzheimer’s, revealing signs of potential therapeutic benefits.
Semaglutide, marketed under the brand names Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss, was tested on 3xTg mice, genetically modified to exhibit Alzheimer’s-like symptoms. The study’s findings suggest that the drug might not only alleviate some of the cognitive challenges associated with the disease but also slow its progression.
Over a month-long treatment period, the semaglutide-administered mice showed considerable improvements in several areas. One key outcome was a reduction in amyloid-beta protein accumulation in the brain. This protein build-up is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s, contributing to the disease’s neurodegenerative effects.
Further tests on memory and learning revealed that the treated mice displayed marked improvements in both short- and long-term memory tasks. Their performance was notably comparable to that of healthy mice, which had no signs of Alzheimer’s. The researchers reported, “The administration of semaglutide significantly improved learning, memory, and cognitive behavior disorders in 3xTg mice.”
Beyond memory, semaglutide also seemed to reduce brain inflammation, a crucial factor in Alzheimer’s. The treated mice exhibited lower levels of inflammatory molecules while increasing those with anti-inflammatory properties. These changes are especially important, as inflammation in the brain is believed to contribute to Alzheimer’s, partly driven by immune cells called microglia.
In particular, the study found that semaglutide prompted a shift in microglia activity, from an aggressive, damaging state (M1) to a more neutral, protective one (M2). This switch in microglial response suggests that the drug may have anti-inflammatory effects that help shield the brain from further damage caused by the disease.
“Semaglutide appears to exert a neuroprotective effect by promoting the transformation of microglia from M1 to M2 type,” the researchers explained in their findings.
While previous studies have hinted at semaglutide’s potential in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and stroke, this new research adds Alzheimer’s to the list. Despite the encouraging results in mice, the researchers caution that these effects need to be verified in human trials, which are already underway. Ongoing Phase 3 trials are expected to shed more light on the drug’s effectiveness in treating Alzheimer’s in humans.
For now, the study offers renewed hope for those living with Alzheimer’s and those at risk, providing a potential new avenue for treatment that may delay or even prevent the disease’s devastating effects.
Related Topics:
What Weight Loss Injections Are Covered By Insurance
