Studies suggest weight loss drugs may aid Alzheimer’s treatment

NEW YORK (PIX11) — New studies suggest popular weight loss drugs may help with Alzheimer’s and quitting smoking.

According to the study, the group of drugs known as Glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1, including Ozempic and Wegovy, shows great potential for treating cognitive decline.

200 people were involved in the year-long clinical trial. Results showed that cognitive decline slowed 18 percent compared to participants on a placebo. The study also found that GLP-1 drugs reduced shrinkage in key parts of the brain by 50 percent.

A second study conducted found that GLP-1 drugs could help people quit smoking. Results from over 200,000 people on the drugs found that there was less tobacco use after 30 days. Previous studies have shown similar results in curbing alcohol use.

Experts are stopping short of saying these drugs will be prescribed for addictions to things like tobacco but they say the evidence clearly points to the need for more research.

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