Semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic or Wegovy, is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and nicotine dependence, according to a new British study.
- A new study confirms that semaglutide, known as Ozempic or Wegovy, has no negative impact on brain health.
- It is even associated with a lower risk of cognitive problems and less nicotine dependence.
- Further research is needed to confirm the finding.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 analogue, is prescribed to combat insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes. Many people misuse its “appetite suppressant” properties to lose weight. However, it is dangerous to take this medication, better known as Ozempic or Wegovy, without medical advice. It can, in fact, cause potentially severe and prolonged digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, etc.).
Researchers from the University of Oxford wanted to verify that this anti-diabetic treatment was safe for the brain. They discovered that it has no harmful effects, quite the contrary. Their conclusions were presented in the journal eClinicalMedicine.
Semaglutide: no negative impact on the brain
To assess the effect of Ozempic and Wegovy on the brain, the team obtained records from more than 100 million patients in the United States, including more than 20,000 taking semaglutide. By analyzing the data, the scientists agreed that this molecule was not linked to an increased risk of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as dementia, depression or anxiety. In fact, it may have a beneficial effect. Indeed, the researchers found that the treatment was associated with a lower risk of cognitive problems and nicotine dependence.
Riccardo De Giorgi, clinical lecturer at the University of Oxford and lead author of the study, explains: “The results of our study therefore not only help to reassure the millions of patients who rely on semaglutide to manage their diabetes, but, if confirmed, they could also have significant public health implications in terms of reducing cognitive impairment and smoking rates in patients with diabetes.”
Ozempic and cognitive decline: further research needed
While these results are very encouraging, scientists warn that they must be confirmed by more in-depth research to understand the mechanisms involved in the observed effects. “Our study is observational and these results should therefore be replicated in a randomized controlled trial to confirm and extend our findings”explains Dr. Max Taquet, author of the study, in a communicated. “This is nevertheless good news for patients with psychiatric disorders, who are at increased risk of diabetes.”
The team also specifies that the results of their work cannot be applied to non-diabetic people.
