Latest news with #CentreforDiscoveryBrainSciences
ITV News
17-07-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Weight loss jabs 'may protect against dementia and stroke', study suggests
Weight loss jabs like Wegovy and Mounjaro may also help protect against dementia and stroke, a new study has suggested. People with type 2 diabetes and obesity who are taking the drugs are also less likely to die prematurely, researchers found. The study examined some of the potential health benefits the drugs could offer outside of what they are known for helping with at the moment, mainly managing weight and blood sugar levels. The study saw experts from Taiwan examine data on 60,000 people from around the world, with an average age of 58, who had type 2 diabetes and obesity. Around half were given semaglutide and tirzepatide – which are sold under the brand names Wegovy and Mounjaro. Semaglutide is also the main ingredient for the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic. The type of drugs are collectively known as GLP agonists and can reduce a person's appetite; slow down their digestion; reduce the amount of sugar the liver makes, and they help the body to make more insulin when needed. The other half used other anti-diabetic medication. During a seven-year follow-up period, researchers found that people given the GLP agonist drugs appeared to have a 37% lower risk of dementia and a 19% reduced risk of stroke. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. And when researchers looked at the data further, they found even greater benefits in people aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. They found no differences in Parkinson's disease or brain bleeds. The academics said their findings suggest 'potential neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits' of the drugs, but they called for more studies to confirm the findings. Commenting on the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, said the study was "very interesting" but noted "this type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. 'It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'It is well established that diabetes and obesity can increase your risk of developing dementia. 'This study supports existing evidence that shows these drugs may reduce dementia risk, particularly for people aged 60 and over who are living with type 2 diabetes and obesity. He added: 'There are clinical trials currently looking at whether drugs like these can be used to treat early-stage Alzheimer's disease, so this is a really exciting area being explored in the research fight against dementia.'
South Wales Guardian
17-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Weight loss jab Mounjaro linked to lower dementia risk
Academics said the benefits of drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro – including for managing weight and blood sugar levels – are well known, but other health benefits of the popular drugs remain 'unclear'. People with type 2 diabetes and obesity who are taking the drugs are also less likely to die prematurely, researchers found. The study saw experts from Taiwan examine date on 60,000 people from around the world, with an average age of 58, who had type 2 diabetes and obesity. Key differences between three weight-loss injections: Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic. Around half were given GLP agonist drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide – which are sold under the brand names Wegovy and Mounjaro. Semaglutide is also the main ingredient for the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic. GLP agonists can reduce a person's appetite; slow down their digestion; reduce the amount of sugar the liver makes and they help the body to make more insulin when needed. The other half used other anti-diabetic medication. 📢Important update Eligible people in #Dorset will be able to access Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) weight management medication from autumn 2025. ✅Around 1,000 people in Dorset will qualify under strict national criteria ✅No need to contact your doctor More: During a seven-year follow-up period, researchers found that people given the GLP agonist drugs appeared to have a 37% lower risk of dementia and a 19% reduced risk of stroke. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. And when researchers looked at the data further they found even greater benefits in people aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. They found no differences in Parkinson's disease or brain bleeds. The academics said their findings suggest 'potential neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits' of the drugs but they called for more studies to confirm the findings. Recommended reading: 'These findings suggest that semaglutide and tirzepatide may offer neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits beyond glycemic control, potentially improving long-term cognitive and survival outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity,' they wrote in the journal JAMA Network Open. Commenting on the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 'This is a very interesting study adding to evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. 'It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. 'Further work is needed including randomised clinical trials to confirm these drugs are protective in people with diabetes and obesity and other trials are needed to determine whether these drugs will be protective in people who do not have type 2 diabetes and obesity.' Recommended reading: Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'It is well established that diabetes and obesity can increase your risk of developing dementia. 'This study supports existing evidence that shows these drugs may reduce dementia risk, particularly for people aged 60 and over who are living with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'Although interesting, we can't draw conclusions from this study alone as it is an observational study, only a small number of people who took part went on to develop dementia and as the impact of these drugs on different types of dementia is not clear. 'There are clinical trials currently looking at whether drugs like these can be used to treat early-stage Alzheimer's disease, so this is a really exciting area being explored in the research fight against dementia.'
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Weight loss jabs 'could lower risk of dementia', scientists find
A new study found weight loss injections may help reduce the risk of dementia and stroke in people who are obese and have type 2 diabetes Weight loss injections could potentially prevent dementia and stroke, a recent study suggests. The research also indicates that individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity who use these medications may have a lower risk of premature death. Academics note the benefits of drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight and blood sugar management are well-documented, but that other potential health benefits remain "unclear". The study involved Taiwanese experts analysing data from 60,000 global participants, averaging 58-years-old, all of whom had type 2 diabetes and obesity. Approximately half were administered GLP agonist drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide – marketed as Wegovy and Mounjaro respectively. Semaglutide is also the primary component in the type 2 diabetes medication Ozempic. GLP agonists can curb appetite, slow digestion, decrease liver-produced sugar, and stimulate insulin production when necessary. The remaining participants used alternative anti-diabetic drugs. Over a seven-year follow-up period, it was observed that those given the GLP agonist drugs seemed to have a 37% lower risk of dementia and a 19% reduced risk of stroke, reports Plymouth Live. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. Further analysis revealed even greater benefits among participants aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. And when researchers looked at the data further they found even greater benefits in people aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. 'These findings suggest that semaglutide and tirzepatide may offer neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits beyond glycemic control, potentially improving long-term cognitive and survival outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity,' they wrote in the journal JAMA Network Open. Reacting to the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 'This is a very interesting study adding to evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. 'Further work is needed including randomised clinical trials to confirm these drugs are protective in people with diabetes and obesity and other trials are needed to determine whether these drugs will be protective in people who do not have type 2 diabetes and obesity.'
STV News
16-07-2025
- Health
- STV News
'People think my wife is drunk but she's living with a rare brain disease'
Glenn Stewart is a full-time carer to his wife Rona, who lives with progressive supranuclear palsy The little-known neurological condition is often mistaken for drunkenness as it causes people to lose their balance Scientists in Edinburgh say a recent study could mark a step forward in slowing the disease's progression They have examined how a crucial protein, called tau, spreads in the brain Glenn and Rona say more awareness of the condition is needed in Scotland An Edinburgh couple have welcomed new research into a rare and little-known neurological condition that is often mistaken for drunkenness. Glenn Stewart is a full-time carer to his wife Rona, who lives with progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP. Researchers say the condition is like a mixture of motor neurone disease and Alzheimer's, affecting around one in every 18,000 people. It cannot be cured but scientists at the University of Edinburgh believe they may be on the cusp of a breakthrough. Glenn and Rona have been together for over 50 years. They were high school sweethearts who built a life in Edinburgh. STV News Glenn and Rona Stewart have been together since high school. But when Rona began to fall regularly, it soon became clear something was seriously wrong. 'My balance is terrible,' Rona told STV News. 'I can't get up from the chair anymore. Glenn does everything. I sit and do nothing. It's horrendous, it's very frustrating.' Now Glenn is her full-time carer, helping Rona to the bathroom every half an hour. They face the same quiet battle daily – not just with the disease, but with how people perceive it. 'When she would fall in public, people just assumed she was drunk,' said Glenn. 'One time she fell backwards on the steps and broke her vertebrae. I wasn't there to catch her. 'It's one of those situations where people don't step in to help because they think it's something else. We need more awareness in Scotland. Most of the research is happening down south.' Supplied Glenn Stewart and his wife Rona. PSP is a degenerative brain condition that affects movement, balance, vision and speech. Researchers describe it as a cross between motor neurone disease and Alzheimer's. There is no cure but scientists at the University of Edinburgh say a recent study could mark a step forward in slowing the disease's progression. STV News Scientists in Edinburgh believe they may be on the cusp of a breakthrough. Thanks to brain tissue donations, researchers are now able to examine how a crucial protein, called tau, spreads in the brain. Its buildup is known to contribute to both PSP and Alzheimer's. Scientists examined synapses in donated post-mortem brain tissue samples from people who died with PSP. They found evidence of tau inside synaptic connections and its presence was linked to synapse death, suggesting the toxic protein was killing these connections. Tara Spires-Jones, professor of neurodegeneration and director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, said: 'We want to understand why synapses are dying and how tau moves from one part of the brain to another. 'Wherever tau goes, brain cells die. Age is the biggest risk factor and science is the only way to fight back.' The team hope their work could eventually lead to a treatment that slows PSP's march, giving patients more time and independence. It's a discovery that's come too late for Rona, but she and Glenn are determined to make the most of every moment together. 'We've been together for 56 years,' said Glenn. 'We love one another. That's what keeps us going.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Leader Live
15-07-2025
- Health
- Leader Live
Weight loss jab Mounjaro linked to lower dementia risk
Academics said the benefits of drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro – including for managing weight and blood sugar levels – are well known, but other health benefits of the popular drugs remain 'unclear'. People with type 2 diabetes and obesity who are taking the drugs are also less likely to die prematurely, researchers found. The study saw experts from Taiwan examine date on 60,000 people from around the world, with an average age of 58, who had type 2 diabetes and obesity. Key differences between three weight-loss injections: Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic. Around half were given GLP agonist drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide – which are sold under the brand names Wegovy and Mounjaro. Semaglutide is also the main ingredient for the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic. GLP agonists can reduce a person's appetite; slow down their digestion; reduce the amount of sugar the liver makes and they help the body to make more insulin when needed. The other half used other anti-diabetic medication. 📢Important update Eligible people in #Dorset will be able to access Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) weight management medication from autumn 2025. ✅Around 1,000 people in Dorset will qualify under strict national criteria ✅No need to contact your doctor More: During a seven-year follow-up period, researchers found that people given the GLP agonist drugs appeared to have a 37% lower risk of dementia and a 19% reduced risk of stroke. They were also 30% less likely to die during the follow-up period. And when researchers looked at the data further they found even greater benefits in people aged 60 or older, women, and those with a body mass index score of 30 to 40. They found no differences in Parkinson's disease or brain bleeds. The academics said their findings suggest 'potential neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits' of the drugs but they called for more studies to confirm the findings. Recommended reading: 'These findings suggest that semaglutide and tirzepatide may offer neuroprotective and cerebrovascular benefits beyond glycemic control, potentially improving long-term cognitive and survival outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity,' they wrote in the journal JAMA Network Open. Commenting on the study, Professor Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and group leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, said: 'This is a very interesting study adding to evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. 'It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. 'Further work is needed including randomised clinical trials to confirm these drugs are protective in people with diabetes and obesity and other trials are needed to determine whether these drugs will be protective in people who do not have type 2 diabetes and obesity.' Recommended reading: Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'It is well established that diabetes and obesity can increase your risk of developing dementia. 'This study supports existing evidence that shows these drugs may reduce dementia risk, particularly for people aged 60 and over who are living with type 2 diabetes and obesity. 'Although interesting, we can't draw conclusions from this study alone as it is an observational study, only a small number of people who took part went on to develop dementia and as the impact of these drugs on different types of dementia is not clear. 'There are clinical trials currently looking at whether drugs like these can be used to treat early-stage Alzheimer's disease, so this is a really exciting area being explored in the research fight against dementia.'
