New research suggests weight loss injections could help reduce dementia risk by lowering brain inflammation, offering hope for better brain health.
Missouri: Exciting news is coming from scientists about weight loss jabs like Wegovy. They say these injections might actually help lower the risk of dementia. How cool is that?
These jabs are already known for helping with obesity and type 2 diabetes. But now, they might also help prevent serious heart issues in folks who are overweight.
A big study in the US looked at data from two million veterans. Out of those, 215,000 were using these weight loss jabs for diabetes treatment. That’s a lot of people!
Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a kidney expert, pointed out that since these drugs are new and super popular, it’s crucial to check how they affect our bodies overall.
The study found some surprising benefits. For instance, people using these jabs had a lower risk of seizures and addiction to things like alcohol and opioids.
They also showed lower chances of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and even some psychotic disorders. That’s really important for mental health!
And get this: they had a reduced risk of neurocognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. That’s a big deal!
Dr. Al-Aly explained that these drugs work on brain receptors linked to impulse control and addiction. This might help explain why they curb appetite and addiction issues.
These jabs also reduce brain inflammation, which could improve brain health. It’s all connected!
In a journal called Nature Medicine, the researchers noted that while the benefits are modest—about 10-20% lower risk for most conditions—they still matter.
Dr. Al-Aly emphasized that even modest effects can be valuable, especially for conditions like dementia, where treatment options are limited.
He also mentioned that these drugs work best when combined with lifestyle changes or other medications. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, these drugs mimic hormones that control appetite. But they do come with some side effects, like nausea and stomach issues.
In rare cases, they can affect the pancreas and kidneys too. So, while they have great potential, it’s important to keep an eye on any risks.
Professor Sir Stephen O’Rahilly from the University of Cambridge, who wasn’t part of the study, cautioned that we should interpret these findings carefully.
He noted that the study group was mostly older white males, which could skew the results. Still, it offers some reassurance about the safety of these drugs.
