Does Ozempic also hold the secret to a cure for depression and dementia?

By now we’re all aware of how effective the drugs Ozempic and Wegovy are for weight loss. “Illness caused by obesity causes people to take an extra four sick days a year on average, while many others are forced out of work altogether.” However, while the drugs were originally created to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, what’s less well known and currently being investigated, is the drugs’ potential impact on a whole raft of other serious health conditions, including dementia, depression heart attacks, stroke, liver failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, Alzheimer’s and even addiction. Semaglutide’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce brain inflammation, and directly protect neurons by improving cellular repair mechanisms and reducing oxidative stress.” Of the latest study, he adds, “I believe it’s a plausible finding that could increase interest in reducing inflammation to prevent long-term conditions.” Researchers are now investigating the direct effects of semaglutide on the brain and the list of other conditions it could be used to treat in the future is impressive. Dr Ivan Koychev who led the Oxford study, says, “This class of drugs is known to reduce risk of vascular events and so the effect on dementia may be through reducing the likelihood of smaller blood vessel scarring.” The early signs are that semaglutide could be helpful in both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia – and its uses may become even clearer when the Novo Nordisk trial concludes next year. “These alternative mechanisms may include positive impacts on blood sugar, blood pressure, or inflammation,” says Professor Deanfield, “as well as direct effects on the heart muscle and blood vessels, or a combination.” Other studies have indicated preventative effects against stroke and epilepsy, as seemingly, the drug’s protective effects relating to dementia may also have an impact on neuro-inflammatory diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.