What Are Causes of Dementia: Some Diabetic Drugs Can Reduce Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease: Study

WASHINGTON — A new study states that certain type 2 diabetes drugs may reduce amyloid in the brain. Amyloid serves as a key biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more what are causes of dementia and their link to certain diabetes drugs. 

The American Academy of Neurology published these findings recently. The research highlights a specific class of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. People taking these medications showed slower cognitive decline compared to two other groups in the study.

Understanding the Link Between Diabetes and Dementia

In type 2 diabetes, the body struggles to use insulin efficiently for blood sugar control. Doctors prescribe dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, also known as gliptins, when other treatments fail. These drugs work best alongside diet and exercise.

Phil Hyu Lee, MD, Ph.D., of Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, authored the study. He explains the connection between the two conditions.

“People with diabetes have been shown to have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Lee. He notes that high blood sugar levels likely contribute to amyloid-beta buildup in the brain.

Lee’s team found promising results. “Not only did our study show that people taking dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors to lower blood sugar levels had less amyloid in their brains overall, but it also showed lower levels in areas of the brain involved in Alzheimer’s disease.”

Study Methodology and Groups

The study tracked 282 participants over a period of up to six years. Their average age was 76. Every participant had a diagnosis of either pre-clinical, early, or probable Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers divided the participants into three distinct groups:

• 70 people with diabetes treated with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors.
• 71 people with diabetes who did not use these specific drugs.
• 141 people who did not have diabetes.

The team matched the non-diabetic group to the diabetic groups based on age, sex, and education. Everyone started with similar cognitive test scores.

Measuring Brain Amyloid and Cognitive Decline

Participants underwent brain scans to measure amyloid levels. The results showed a clear difference. Diabetic patients taking the drugs had less amyloid plaque on average than both other groups.

The participants also took a Mini-Mental State Exam every 12 months for 2.5 years. This common test evaluates thinking and memory skills. It includes tasks like counting backward from 100 by sevens or copying images. Scores range from zero to 30.

The data revealed significant differences in decline rates:

• Diabetic patients on the drug declined by an average of 0.87 points annually.
• Diabetic patients not on the drug declined by 1.65 points annually.
• Non-diabetic participants declined by 1.48 points annually.

After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found that patients on the drug declined 0.77 points slower per year than those who were not.

Potential Implications for Non-Diabetics

These findings open new doors for Alzheimer’s research.

“Our results showing less amyloid in the brains of people taking these medications and less cognitive decline, when compared to people without diabetes raises the possibility that these medications may also be beneficial for people without diabetes who have thinking and memory problems,” said Lee.

However, he urges caution. “More research is needed to demonstrate whether these drugs may have neuroprotective properties in all people.”

Limitations and Support

The study had some limitations. For instance, data showing amyloid accumulation over time was unavailable. Furthermore, the study only proves an association, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

The Korean Health Industry Development Institute and the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare supported this research.

( With inputs from ANI)

Edited by Saptak Datta and Ritaban Misra

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