Gliflozin Medications for Diabetes Reduce the Risk of Dementia and Parkinson's Disease
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| SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Parkinson’s disease in type 2 diabetes patients by over 20% Image RDNE Stock project / Pexels |
Recent research has highlighted a potential association between a class of diabetes medications and a reduced risk of developing dementia and Parkinson's disease. This study focused on sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors), commonly referred to as gliflozins, which lower blood sugar levels by prompting the kidneys to eliminate glucose through urine.
Dr. Min Young Lee, a researcher with a Ph.D. from Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, stated, "We know that neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease are common, and their incidence increases as people age. Individuals with diabetes face a heightened risk of cognitive decline, so it is encouraging to see that this class of drugs may offer some protection against dementia and Parkinson's disease."
The study, published in the journal Neurology on September 18, 2024, examined individuals with type 2 diabetes who began treatment with diabetes medications between 2014 and 2019 in South Korea. Participants taking gliflozins were compared to those on other oral diabetes medications, with both groups consisting of individuals of similar ages and comparable health conditions and diabetes-related complications.
Researchers tracked these individuals to determine if they developed dementia or Parkinson's disease, following gliflozin users for an average of two years, while those on other medications were followed for an average of four years. Among the 358,862 participants, with an average age of 58, 6,837 developed either dementia or Parkinson's disease during the study period.
Findings on Alzheimer’s Disease
The study revealed that the incidence rate of Alzheimer’s disease among participants taking gliflozins was approximately 39.7 cases per 10,000 person-years, compared to 63.7 cases for those taking other diabetes medications. For vascular dementia, which results from blood vessel problems, the incidence rate was 10.6 cases per 10,000 for gliflozin users versus 18.7 cases for those on alternative treatments. Additionally, the incidence rate of Parkinson’s disease was 9.3 cases per 10,000 for gliflozin users, compared to 13.7 cases for those taking other diabetes medications.
After adjusting for other factors that could influence the risk of dementia or Parkinson's disease, such as diabetes complications and medication use, researchers found that gliflozin use was associated with a 20% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and a 20% lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Lee remarked, "The results are generally consistent even after adjusting for factors like blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and kidney function."
Dr. Lee further emphasized that "more research is needed to confirm these findings over the long term," noting that participants were followed for less than five years at maximum, suggesting that some participants might develop dementia or Parkinson's disease later in life.
The findings from this study provide compelling evidence suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors, commonly prescribed for diabetes management, may also contribute to neurological health by lowering the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease. While the results are promising, further research is essential to validate these findings over extended periods and understand the underlying mechanisms at play. As the population ages and the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases rises, the potential for gliflozins to offer protective benefits in diabetic patients presents an important area for future exploration.
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