76. GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE: ASSESSING THEIR THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Introduction

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with current therapeutic approaches offering limited efficacy in modifying its course. Recent data suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists, traditionally utilized for glycemic regulation in type 2 diabetes, may exhibit neuroprotective effects with potential implications for AD treatment. This review aims to synthesize and critically assess the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists on AD-related outcomes, including cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and cerebral glucose metabolism.

Methods

A comprehensive narrative review was conducted, integrating findings from various clinical trials examining the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists in mitigating AD pathology. The review also explores the underlying mechanisms, particularly focusing on the modulation of neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and brain glucose homeostasis.

Results

The findings demonstrate a modest but statistically significant attenuation of brain atrophy, predominantly in the hippocampal and cortical regions, which are heavily implicated in AD progression. Moreover, improvements in cerebral glucose uptake and metabolism were observed, addressing the metabolic deficits characteristic of AD.

Conclusions

While the current evidence is promising, heterogeneity in study design and small sample sizes limit the generalizability of these findings. Future large-scale, long-duration trials are essential to confirm the therapeutic potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in AD and to further elucidate their neuroprotective mechanisms. Incorporating these agents into existing AD treatment protocols could represent a novel and potentially transformative approach to disease modification.