Impact of glucagon-like peptide 1 analogs on cognitive function among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and their potential role in dementia onset and cognitive function in patients with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the association between the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and dementia onset as well as cognitive function in patients with diabetes mellitus. We comprehensively searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases to select relevant studies published up to August 2023. The use of SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly lowers dementia risk compared to SGLT-2i non-users (Hazard ratio: 0.68, 95 % CI: 0.50-0.92). Furthermore, our findings indicated a positive effect of SGLT-2 inhibitor use on cognitive function score improvement, as demonstrated by the standardized mean difference of 0.88 (95 % CI: 0.32-1.44), particularly among populations with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. This systematic review and meta-analysis indicate a potential role of SGLT-2 inhibitors in reducing the risk of dementia in patients with diabetes mellitus. These findings underscore the need for well-controlled large clinical trials and future research in this field.

Diabetes, antidiabetic medications and risk of dementia: A systematic umbrella review and meta-analysis

AIMS

The objective of this umbrella review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of diabetes on risk of dementia, as well as the mitigating effect of antidiabetic treatments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic umbrella review on diabetes and its treatment, and a meta-analysis focusing on treatment. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library for systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the risk of cognitive decline/dementia in individuals with diabetes until 2 July 2023. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses to obtain risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals estimating the association of metformin, thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, α-glucosidase inhibitors, meglitinides, insulin, sulphonylureas, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) with risk of dementia from cohort/case-control studies. The subgroups analysed included country and world region. Risk of bias was assessed with the AMSTAR tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

We included 100 reviews and 27 cohort/case-control studies (N = 3 046 661). Metformin, thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone, GLP1RAs and SGLT2is were associated with significant reduction in risk of dementia. When studies examining metformin were divided by country, the only significant effect was for the United States. Moreover, the effect of metformin was significant in Western but not Eastern populations. No significant effect was observed for dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, α-glucosidase inhibitors, or insulin, while meglitinides and sulphonylureas were associated with increased risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Metformin, thiazolidinediones, pioglitazone, GLP1RAs and SGLT2is were associated with reduced risk of dementia. More longitudinal studies aimed at determining their relative benefit in different populations should be conducted.

Current perspectives on prevention of vascular cognitive impairment and promotion of vascular brain health

INTRODUCTION

The true global burden of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is unknown. Reducing risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease would inevitably curtail VCI.

AREAS COVERED

The authors review current diagnosis, epidemiology, and risk factors for VCI. VCI increases in older age and by inheritance of known genetic traits. They emphasize modifiable risk factors identified by the 2020 Lancet Dementia Commission. The most profound risks for VCI also include lower education, cardiometabolic factors, and compromised cognitive reserve. Finally, they discuss pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

EXPERT OPINION

By virtue of the high frequencies of stroke and cardiovascular disease the global prevalence of VCI is expectedly higher than prevalent neurodegenerative disorders causing dementia. Since ~ 90% of the global burden of stroke can be attributed to modifiable risk factors, a formidable opportunity arises to reduce the burden of not only stroke but VCI outcomes including progression from mild to the major in form of vascular dementia. Strict control of vascular risk factors and secondary prevention of cerebrovascular disease via pharmacological interventions will impact on burden of VCI. Non-pharmacological measures by adopting healthy diets and encouraging physical and cognitive activities and urging multidomain approaches are important for prevention of VCI and preservation of vascular brain health.

Cognitive protection of incretin-based therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on clinical studies

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Cognitive dysfunction, including mild cognitive impairment and dementia, is increasingly recognized as an important complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aims of the preset study was to investigate the cognitive protection of incretin-based therapies, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Web of Science and PsycINFO were searched from the inception through 17 January 2023 for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies on the association between incretin-based therapies and cognitive function. A total of 15 studies were finally included in our systematic review, and eight of which were incorporated into our meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Pooled results showed that the Mini-Mental State Examination score in incretin-based therapy groups was increased by 1.20 compared with the control group (weighted mean difference 1.20, 95% confidence interval 0.39-2.01). The results of eight studies assessed by the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and the Cochrane Collaboration's tool, and the quality of the eight studies were at a relatively high level. Egger's regression did not show significant publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence shows that incretin-based therapies might be more effective, when compared with the other hypoglycemic drugs, for cognitive improvement in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.