The neuroprotective potential of GLP-1 analogues with particular emphasis in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2025.86.66890Keywords
GLP-1 receptor agonists, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, lixisenatide, cognitive functionAbstract
Background: Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are becoming more common as populations age, yet effective treatments remain elusive. People with type 2 diabetes face higher risks of developing these conditions, prompting researchers to explore whether diabetes medications might protect the brain. GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as promising candidates for this purpose.
Aim: This systematic review evaluates the neuroprotective potential of GLP-1 analogues in treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, examining clinical evidence and underlying molecular mechanisms.
Material and methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, focusing on studies published from 2020 onwards. Search terms combined GLP-1 receptor agonists with neurodegenerative and neuroprotective terminology. From 38 initially identified articles, 5 studies were selected for detailed analysis based on their focus on GLP-1 analogues' therapeutic potential in neurodegeneration.
Results: The LIXIPARK trial demonstrated promising results in early Parkinson's disease, with lixisenatide showing significant benefits on motor symptom progression compared to placebo. However, evidence for Alzheimer's disease remains mixed, with smaller completed studies yielding disappointing outcomes while large-scale EVOKE trials are ongoing. In type 2 diabetes patients, liraglutide enhanced cognitive function and hippocampal activation, though DPP-4 inhibition showed no superior cognitive protection versus traditional diabetes medications.
Conclusions: GLP-1 receptor agonists show genuine promise as neuroprotective agents, with strongest evidence emerging from Parkinson's disease research. The therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's disease requires confirmation from ongoing large-scale trials. These findings suggest that personalized approaches considering disease stage, gender, and metabolic status may optimize therapeutic benefits.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Zuzanna Drozd, Natalia Dudziak, Bartosz Niemiec, Szymon Piosik, Bruno Olesiński, Łukasz Piasecki, Zuzanna Guzowicz, Gągałka Patrycja, Monika Kamińska
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