Neuroprotective effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists in neurodegenerative Disorders: A Large-Scale Propensity-Matched cohort study
Abstract
BACKGROUND
GLP-1 receptor agonists, traditionally used for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. However, their potential neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative disorders remain unclear.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on the risk of developing various neurodegenerative conditions in obese patients.
METHODS
This comprehensive retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 5,307,845 obese adult patients across 73 healthcare organizations in 17 countries. Propensity score matching was performed, resulting in 102,935 patients in each cohort. We compared the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders between obese patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy and those who were not.
RESULTS
Obese patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists showed significantly lower risks of developing Alzheimer's disease (RR = 0.627, 95 %CI = 0.481-0.817), Lewy body dementia (RR = 0.590, 95 %CI = 0.462-0.753), and vascular dementia (RR = 0.438, 95 %CI = 0.327-0.588). The risk reduction for Parkinson's disease was not statistically significant overall (RR = 0.784, 95 %CI = 0.580-1.058) but was significant for semaglutide users (RR = 0.574, 95 %CI = 0.369-0.893). Semaglutide consistently showed the most pronounced protective effects across all disorders. Additionally, a significant reduction in all-cause mortality was observed (HR = 0.525, 95 %CI = 0.493-0.558).
CONCLUSION
This study provides…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 5,307,845 participants or records.
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