New diabetes and weight loss drugs could be reducing the risk of dementia and stroke

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-07-16 01:00

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Middle-aged and older people taking glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) such as Ozempic or Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and obesity could be less likely to develop dementia or have a stroke, according to international research. The team followed 60,000 adults aged 40+ for about seven years, half of whom were taking a GLP-1 RA, with the other half on other antidiabetic drugs. By the end of the study, the researchers say the GLP-1 RA group were less likely to have developed dementia, had a stroke or died of any cause. They say this means this class of drugs could come with benefits for brain health.

Media release

From: JAMA

About The Study: In this cohort study, the use of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) semaglutide and tirzepatide was associated with a lower risk of dementia, stroke, and all-cause mortality in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. These findings suggest potential neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits of GLP-1RAs beyond glycemic control, warranting further trials to confirm these outcomes.

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Research JAMA, Web page The URL will go live after the embargo ends

Journal/
conference: JAMA Network Open

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan

Funder: This work was supported by grants 111-2320-B-182A-008-MY3 from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, and CMRPG3K1051-3 and CMRPG3N0592 from the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.

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