HealthEMJGLP-1s Protect Against Stroke, Alzheimer's Disease
A new genetic study suggests GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs may also lower the risk of stroke and Alzheimer's disease across multiple ancestry groups.
Genetic data suggest GLP-1s may lower stroke and Alzheimer disease risk across ancestries. See which stroke subtypes showed the strongest signal.
A Mendelian randomisation study found genetic evidence that GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class including popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs, may protect against stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
Cross-ancestry meta-analyses found the odds of any stroke were 25% lower and ischaemic stroke 28% lower among people with genetic proxies for GLP-1 drug effects.
The findings add to growing interest in GLP-1 drugs for brain health, though researchers note the evidence for Alzheimer's disease was less robust and further clinical research is needed.
The study found a 25% lower odds of any stroke and a 33% lower odds of stroke in East Asian participants, though researchers say more clinical trials are needed before conclusions are drawn.
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