Weight loss drug Ozempic may protect the brain from stroke

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Despite advancements in emergency care and rehabilitation, many survivors still face long-term health issues, including cognitive decline, seizures, and even death. 

Research presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery’s 22nd Annual Meeting reveals an exciting new discovery. The study suggests that GLP-1 inhibitors, drugs used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may reduce the severity or risk of strokes.

The diabetes drugs include semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic, which is known for lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss. The researchers described three studies investigating how these drugs might help the brain during and after stroke.

The studies covered different patient populations and medical events. They all pointed in one direction: people on GLP-1 inhibitors had better survival odds and fewer long-term complications.

Diabetes drug helped stroke survival

In the first study, researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison examined stroke patients on Ozempic. They compared data from their hospital and a global health network. Out of over 2 million stroke patients, 43,338 had used Ozempic.

The results showed a significant survival boost for Ozempic users. In the global data, 5.26% of users died after stroke, compared to 21.61% of non-users.

Long-term survival stood at 77.5% for Ozempic users versus 30.95% for non-users. The university’s dataset also reflected this benefit. Ozempic users had lower death rates (5.26%) compared to those who did not use the drug (26.57%).

Fewer emergency stroke cases

The second study, also by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, looked at nationwide emergency department records.

The research team examined the relationship between Ozempic use and stroke incidents. They found that people likely on Ozempic had much lower odds of experiencing a stroke.

However, the study was based on indirect data sources. So, the researchers recommend analyzing pharmacy records next. This could clarify how Ozempic might prevent strokes, not just lessen damage.

Brain hemorrhages and long-term effects

The third study came from the University of Texas Medical Branch. It focused on GLP-1 agonists and their effect on hemorrhagic strokes and brain bleeds.

The researchers analyzed patient records at multiple points – six and twelve months after hemorrhage, one and two years post-stroke.

They found that patients using GLP-1 inhibitors had a lower risk of seizures, cognitive decline, and death after their stroke or hemorrhage.

Additionally, these patients experienced fewer future brain bleeds. This pattern suggests that the benefits of these drugs may extend beyond stroke prevention.

GLP-1 inhibitors could play a broader role in protecting the brain and improving long-term recovery after injury.

Using diabetes drugs for stroke

Dr. Ahmed Elbayomy, a research fellow and data scientist from the University of Wisconsin, led two of the featured studies and emphasized the exciting implications of their findings.

According to Dr. Elbayomy, these early results reveal a new and unexpected benefit of GLP-1 inhibitors. “More research is certainly needed, but seeing the potential protection offered by these medications is a fascinating finding.”

Dr. Matias Costa, lead author of the third study, expressed similar optimism. He believes these results open up important conversations about stroke care.

“This research could introduce a new perspective to the discussion of preventing and mitigating the devastating effects of stroke and related brain injuries,” noted Dr. Costa.

Both researchers agree that while the data looks promising, it remains essential to test these outcomes in future clinical trials. Doing so will determine if these diabetes drugs can safely be used to support brain health in stroke patients.

New path in stroke prevention

GLP-1 inhibitors, commonly used for diabetes and weight loss, may have a new role in stroke care. Collectively, the studies suggest these drugs could help prevent strokes and improve stroke recovery.

This potential crossover between metabolic treatment and brain health is promising. While the findings are still early, they point toward a future where one class of medication supports both physical and neurological health.

Researchers are now planning prospective trials to confirm these results and better understand how GLP-1 drugs protect the brain. If successful, this could shift how doctors approach stroke prevention and treatment in at-risk patients.

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