JAMA Neurol

AAN 2025: GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors may lower dementia risk in T2DM

April 9, 2025

Both GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) were associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) in patients with T2DM, according to findings presented at American Academy of Neurology’s Annual Meeting. The finding supports the preferential use of these agents not only for glycemic control but also for their potential neuroprotective benefits.

Study details: This target trial emulation study analyzed electronic health records of 33,858 patients with T2DM to evaluate the impact of GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2is on ADRD. Patients were divided into three cohorts: GLP-1 RAs vs. other glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs), SGLT2is vs. other GLDs, and GLP-1 RAs vs. SGLT2is. Cox proportional hazard regression models with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounding factors.

Results: Compared with individuals using other GLDs, those receiving GLP-1 RAs (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47-0.96) had a 33% lower likelihood of developing ADRD. Similarly, those treated with SGLT2 inhibitors (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.43-0.75) had a 43% lower risk of ADRD. No significant difference in ADRD risk was observed between the GLP-1 RA and SGLT2i groups.

Source:

Tang H, et al. (2025, April 7). JAMA Neurol. GLP-1RA and SGLT2i Medications for Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40193118/