Unfortunately, the company found that the drug did not delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease in volunteers who took it.
This news was a huge disappointment to the research community. “It was kind of devastating,” Drucker says. And this despite the fact that deep down he did not expect a “clean victory.” Alzheimer's disease is notoriously difficult to treat, and by the time people are diagnosed, much damage has already been done.
But he is one of many who have not given up hope completely. After all, research shows that GLP-1 reduces inflammation in the brain and improves neuronal health, as well as improving how brain regions communicate with each other. All this means that GLP-1 drugs should benefit the brain, Drucker says. There is still a chance that drugs could help prevent Alzheimer's disease in those who are still cognitively healthy.
Are they safe before, during or after pregnancy?
Another study published this week raises questions about the effects of GLP-1 taken during pregnancy. For now, people are advised to plan to stop taking the medication two months before becoming pregnant. This is partly because some animal studies suggest the drugs may harm fetal development, but mainly because scientists have not studied the effects on pregnancy in humans.
Research shows that among the broader population, many people taking GLP-1 for weight loss regain most of the lost weight as soon as they stop taking these drugs. So perhaps it's not surprising that study published in PIT Earlier this week, a similar effect was observed in pregnant women.
The study found that people who took these drugs gained about 3.3 kg more than those who did not take them. And those who took the medications also had a slightly higher risk of gestational diabetes, blood pressure problems and even preterm birth.
