GLP-1 Study Finds Survival Benefits Outweigh Cognitive Risks for Diabetics
Researchers Found That Age Plays an Important Role in the Risk-Benefit Balance of GLP-1 Analogue Treatment
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The decreased risk of death for patients with type 2 diabetes treated with GLP-1 analogues outweighs the increased risk of cognitive impairment, though age plays a role, according to a study by New York Medical College students and faculty, presented at the American Academy of Neurology meeting in April.
“GLP-1 analogues are everywhere, and benefits are being shown across diseases and body systems. However, prior studies were unable to show whether they would increase, decrease, or not affect the risk of cognitive impairment,” says Isaac Thorman, School of Medicine Class of 2027. “Our study, powered by exorbitant sample sizes and meticulous patient matching, directly informs the risk-benefit analysis occurring in every doctor's office each time a GLP-1 analogue is prescribed.”
The retrospective cohort study used the multinational TriNetX Research Network, identifying 512,037 (88,038 matched) patients 50 years old and older with type 2 diabetes with no history of cognitive impairment or cerebrovascular disease. Patients in their 50s were shown to have mortality protection without an increased risk of cognitive impairment, while patients in their 80s and above had an increased risk of cognitive impairment with no mortality protection. Both male and female patients appeared to benefit from GLP-1s, though males demonstrated slightly greater benefit.
“Physicians and patients must both be aware of the likely benefits and potential risks of any medications they use,” says Thorman. “Our findings support the safety of these medications, though extra caution may be used when prescribing GLP-1 analogues to the oldest adult patients.”
Thorman went on to caution that though their study focused on adults with type 2 diabetes, the first population approved for GLP-1 analogue prescriptions, many adults without diabetes are now taking GLP-1 analogues for weight loss. “Future studies should look at these adults, as the potential benefit in this population may not offset the risk of cognitive impairment that we demonstrated,” he explained.
