Diabetes meds could reduce the risk of dementia

A new study has found that certain diabetes drugs could help to decrease your chances of getting dementia.

People with diabetes who are given the drugs pioglitazone and metformin can reduce their risk of developing dementia, says a new German study.

Having type 2 diabetes has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia, but anti-diabetic medication reduce it.

The study, which looked at data from 145,000 people aged 60 and older, found that a drug called pioglitazone, which enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin, also inhibited the deposits of harmful proteins in the brain which can cause conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Metformin, which lower blood glucose levels, has less effect than pioglitazone, but could also reduce the risk.

The researchers believe that the longer you’re on anti-diabetes treatment, the lower the risk of developing dementia. The next step is to carry out clinical studies that look specifically into how these drugs can help prevent dementia.

Want to know more about clinical studies for dementia? Click here.