Scientists are exploring various approaches to combat Alzheimer’s disease, and a new study suggests that semaglutide, a popular drug used for diabetes and weight loss, may also help alleviate some Alzheimer’s symptoms.
In research conducted in China, scientists tested the effects of semaglutide on mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. The drug, which is sold under the brand names Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight loss), showed promising results in these studies.
The drug appears to help immune cells in the brain adopt a protective state, potentially slowing or even preventing the progression of the disease. In the Alzheimer’s mouse model, known as 3xTg, semaglutide treatment over a month demonstrated several positive outcomes compared to a placebo. The treated mice showed reduced levels of amyloid-beta protein buildup in their brains, a toxic process associated with Alzheimer’s.
In addition, memory and learning tests showed that the treated mice performed almost as well as healthy mice, both in short-term and long-term memory tasks. The researchers noted, “These behavioral results showed that semaglutide significantly improved learning, memory, and cognitive behavior disorders in 3xTg mice.”
Further benefits were observed in the treated mice. Levels of molecules causing brain inflammation were reduced, while those with anti-inflammatory effects increased. This is significant because inflammation in Alzheimer’s patients is partly driven by immune cells called microglia. In the treated mice, some of these microglia shifted from a harmful (M1) state to a more neutral (M2) state, which may protect the brain.
The researchers believe that semaglutide’s anti-inflammatory effects are due to this shift in microglia activity. The drug appears to reduce the damaging impact of amyloid-beta proteins in the brain, offering neuroprotection.
While this research has been promising, scientists are still working to understand the full extent of semaglutide’s potential in protecting against Alzheimer’s. They are also exploring the underlying mechanisms that could lead to effective treatments.
Although these results are based on animal models, efforts to test semaglutide in humans are already underway. Phase 3 trials in Alzheimer’s patients are currently being conducted. This brings new hope to the millions affected by Alzheimer’s and those at risk of developing it in the future.
“Previous studies have shown that semaglutide is effective in Parkinson’s disease and stroke,” the researchers noted. “Importantly, Phase 3 trials of semaglutide in Alzheimer’s disease patients are currently underway.”
This research was published in the journal Neuroscience.
