A class of drugs for diabetes might be related to a lower danger of dementia and Parkinson’s illness, according to a research study released in the September 18, 2024, online problem of Neurology ®the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
The research study took a look at sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which are likewise called gliflozins. They lower blood sugar level by triggering the kidneys to eliminate sugar from the body through urine.
“We understand that these neurodegenerative illness like dementia and Parkinson’s illness prevail and the variety of cases is growing as the population ages, and individuals with diabetes are at increased threat of cognitive disability, so it’s motivating to see that this class of drugs might offer some defense versus dementia and Parkinson’s illness,” stated research study author Minyoung Lee, MD, PhD, of Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea.
The retrospective research study took a look at individuals with type 2 diabetes who began diabetes medication from 2014 to 2019 in South Korea. Individuals taking SGLT2 inhibitors were matched with individuals taking other oral diabetes drugs, so the 2 groups had individuals with comparable ages, other health conditions and problems from diabetes. Scientists followed the individuals to see whether they established dementia or Parkinson’s illness. Those taking the SGLT2 inhibitors were followed for approximately 2 years and those taking the other drugs were followed for approximately 4 years.
Amongst the 358,862 individuals with a typical age of 58, an overall of 6,837 individuals established dementia or Parkinson’s illness throughout the research study.
For Alzheimer’s illness, the occurrence rate for individuals taking SGLT2 inhibitors was 39.7 cases per 10,000 person-years, compared to 63.7 cases for those taking other diabetes drugs. Person-years represent both the variety of individuals in the research study and the quantity of time everyone invests in the research study.
For vascular dementia, which is dementia brought on by vascular illness, the occurrence rate for individuals taking the SGLT2 drugs was 10.6 cases per 10,000, compared to 18.7 for those taking the other drugs.
For Parkinson’s illness, the occurrence rate for those taking the SGLT2 drugs was 9.3 cases per 10,000, compared to 13.7 for those taking the other drugs.
After scientists changed for other aspects that might impact the danger of dementia or Parkinson’s illness, such as issues from diabetes and medications, they discovered that SGLT2 inhibitor usage was related to a 20% decreased threat of Alzheimer’s illness and a 20% lowered danger of Parkinson’s illness. Those taking the drugs had a 30% minimized danger of establishing vascular dementia.
“The outcomes are usually constant even after changing for elements like high blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and kidney function,” Lee stated. “More research study is required to confirm the long-lasting credibility of these findings.”
Lee stated that considering that individuals were followed for less than 5 years at the most, it’s possible that some individuals would later on establish dementia or Parkinson’s illness.