A new study suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors, a class of diabetes medications, may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Parkinson’s disease by 20% to 30%. Although the findings are promising, researchers emphasize the need for further long-term studies.
Published in the journal Neurology, the study highlights a potential connection between the use of SGLT2 inhibitors—commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes—and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s.
The Role of SGLT2 Inhibitors
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, also known as gliflozins, help manage diabetes by prompting the kidneys to remove excess sugar from the bloodstream through urine. While their primary function is to control blood sugar, this study points to additional neuroprotective benefits.
“We know that neurodegenerative diseases, like dementia and Parkinson’s, are increasingly common, especially as the population ages,” explained study lead Dr. Minyoung Lee, PhD, of Yonsei University College of Medicine, South Korea. “People with diabetes face a higher risk of cognitive impairment, so it is encouraging to see evidence that this class of drugs could offer some protection.”
Study Design: Analyzing Diabetes and Dementia Links
Researchers conducted a retrospective study involving people with type 2 diabetes in South Korea who began diabetes treatment between 2014 and 2019. Participants who were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors were compared to those taking other types of oral diabetes medication. Both groups were matched for factors such as age, health conditions, and diabetes-related complications, ensuring a balanced comparison.
The study monitored participants over several years to track the development of Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, or Parkinson’s disease. Those on SGLT2 inhibitors were followed for an average of two years, while participants on other diabetes medications were observed for an average of four years.
Results: Lower Rates of Dementia and Parkinson’s
The study involved 358,862 participants with an average age of 58. During the study period, 6,837 individuals developed either dementia or Parkinson’s disease.
For those on SGLT2 inhibitors, the rate of Alzheimer’s disease was 39.7 cases per 10,000 person-years, compared to 63.7 cases for people taking other diabetes medications. For vascular dementia, the rates were 10.6 cases per 10,000 person-years for the SGLT2 group, compared to 18.7 cases for the other group.
Regarding Parkinson’s disease, participants on SGLT2 inhibitors had a rate of 9.3 cases per 10,000 person-years, compared to 13.7 cases for those taking alternative diabetes drugs.
Reduced Risk After Adjustments
After adjusting for additional factors such as diabetes complications, medications, and other health conditions, researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a 20% lower risk of developing both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The risk of vascular dementia was reduced by 30% among those taking SGLT2 inhibitors.
“These results remain consistent even after adjusting for factors like blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and kidney function,” Dr. Lee noted. “However, further studies are essential to validate these findings over a longer period.”
Limitations and Future Research
The study followed participants for fewer than five years, raising the possibility that some individuals could still develop dementia or Parkinson’s later on. As a result, researchers stress the importance of extended follow-up studies to determine the long-term effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on neurodegenerative diseases.
While the initial results provide hope, the medical community will await further research to confirm whether SGLT2 inhibitors can be recommended as a preventative measure for cognitive decline in diabetic patients.
This study adds to a growing body of research exploring the broader benefits of diabetes medications, potentially opening the door to new treatments that address both metabolic and neurological health.
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