New drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound have garnered a lot of attention in recent years thanks to celebrities, social media influencers, and ad campaigns online—and everywhere else. These prescription drugs—which are also known as GLP1s (glucagon-like peptide-1)—are prescribed for weight loss and type-2 diabetes. They reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease and—more recently—for obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.

Emerging research for several new indications has shown early promise, and Alzheimer’s disease could be next, offering hope to nearly 7 million people in the U.S.

Can GLP-1s Treat Alzheimer’s Disease?

In recent years, several clinical trials have looked at the potential effects that GLP-1s may have on Alzheimer’s disease risk and the ability to delay or slow the onset of the disease.

A recent study in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, appeared to reduce the risk of  Alzheimer’s disease in people with type-2 diabetes.

The study compared semaglutide to seven other diabetes drugs such as insulin and metformin as well as older GLP-1s, such as liraglutide. To qualify for the study, participants were also required to have at least one other underlying condition such as obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, or heart disease, and they could not have used a diabetes drug within the past 6 months.

The findings showed that semaglutide was linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with type-2 diabetes compared to the other diabetes drugs, including the older GLP-1s. Semaglutide was associated with a 40% to 70% decreased risk of the disease.

Another 2024 study also found that semaglutide appeared to reduce the risk of dementia in those with type-2 diabetes.

Why Might GLP-1s Work in fighting Alzheimer’s?

While the exact connection between type-2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease is still unknown, research suggests that high blood sugar and insulin harm the brain. Some experts have even coined this relationship “type-3 diabetes.” One study found people with untreated diabetes developed signs of Alzheimer’s disease 1.6 times faster than those without diabetes.

Other studies looking at GLP-1s as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease show early promise. A December 2024 study found that patients with type-2 diabetes who were prescribed GLP-1s experienced between 23% and 44% reduced likelihood of developing dementia compared to those who prescribed a non-GLP-1 diabetes medication.

Plus, research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference last year found that liraglutide, the active ingredient in Victoza, may slow cognitive decline by protecting the brain. The Phase 2b clinical trial found that GLP-1s may protect the brains of individuals with mild Alzheimer’s disease and reduce cognitive decline by as much as 18% after one year of treatment compared to placebo.

GLP-1s vs. Current Alzheimer’s Treatments

There are two FDA-approved treatments for Alzheimer’s: anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody treatments Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab). Both are IV infusion therapies, which are time-consuming, expensive, and carry side effects.

While GLP-1s may offer an alternative treatment option for those with type-2 diabetes who are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease, they’re not without side effects. Some include “Ozempic face,”— physical changes in the face caused by rapid weight loss—nausea, vomiting, and other GI issues, as well as more serious but less common conditions.

Like Leqembi and Kisunla, GLP-1s also have a high price tag—costing around $1,000 a month out of pocket. In November 2024, President Biden proposed a rule that would allow GLP-1s to be covered by Medicare and Medicaid for obesity. If approved by the Trump administration, the rule could significantly increase access to GLP-1s and pave the way for the drugs to be covered for dementia as well. 

While semaglutide is currently the only GLP-1 available in pill form, more GLP-1s are expected to follow suit. If they’re approved for Alzheimer’s, patients could have a more accessible, convenient alternative to current IV infusion treatments.

Can GLP-1 Drugs Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?

Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) is conducting two, phase 3 studies, EVOKE and EVOKE+. The studies compare semaglutide to placebo in more than 3,000 patients with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease. The results are expected to be completed this year. If clinical trials find that Semaglutide reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s, GLP-1s could potentially be used as both a treatment and preventative drug.

Experts say, however, it’s still too early to know for sure, and more research is needed. For starters, although research has shown that semaglutide has positive effects against obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and heart disease—all risk factors for the disease—it’s unclear how the drug protects the brain against Alzheimer’s disease and to what extent.

Also, researchers have yet to determine whether GLP-1s have positive effects on Alzheimer’s disease alone, or if the benefits are a result of improving type-2 diabetes. Since Alzheimer’s is influenced by multiple genes as well as  lifestyle and environmental factors, GLP-1s may also not be appropriate for every patient.

Regardless of what the clinical trials show, GLP-1s and Alzheimer’s disease are rapidly emerging areas of research that have the potential to provide new treatments for millions of Americans.

To learn about current clinical trials at Charter Research, call Charter Research at 407-337-3000 (Orlando) or 352-441-2000 (The Villages). You can also fill out the form on this page, and one of our representatives will call you within 24 hours (excluding weekends).