THESE two existing drugs might help enhance brain health, study finds

A new study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia suggests that two existing diabetes-related drugs, the widely used empagliflozin and an experimental insulin nasal spray, may help protect brain health and slow early signs of cognitive decline linked to Alzheimer’s disease.The findings, from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in the US, highlight how tackling metabolism could become a promising new frontier in Alzheimer’s treatment.

How the trial worked

The clinical trial involved 47 older adults aged 55 to 85, including those with mild cognitive impairment, early dementia, or biomarkers tied to Alzheimer’s. Participants received either empagliflozin alone, the insulin spray on its own, both drugs combined, or a placebo, over four weeks.

Although small and designed primarily to test safety, the study found that both treatments were well tolerated and showed encouraging early effects on brain health.“For the first time, we found that empagliflozin, an established diabetes and heart medication, reduced markers of brain injury while restoring blood flow in critical brain regions,” explained neuroscientist Suzanne Craft from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

The insulin spray, which delivers insulin directly to the brain, also appeared to improve cognition and neurovascular health.

“We also confirmed that delivering insulin directly to the brain with a newly validated device enhances cognition, neurovascular health, and immune function,” Craft added.

Targeting metabolism, not just memory

Empagliflozin, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and heart health, improves the body’s glucose and sodium handling, a process that reduces inflammation, cellular stress, and insulin resistance. In this study, it also appeared to lower tau protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid, a key biomarker linked to Alzheimer’s progression.Meanwhile, the insulin nasal spray targets another factor often tied to Alzheimer’s, insulin resistance in the brain. Participants who used the spray showed better memory scores and improved blood flow and white matter connectivity on brain scans.

“Our study suggests that targeting metabolism can change the course of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Craft. “Together, these findings highlight metabolism as a powerful new frontier in Alzheimer’s treatment.”While the trial was small, the results mark an encouraging step towards combining metabolic treatments with existing Alzheimer’s therapies. “We plan to build on these promising results with larger, longer studies in people with early and preclinical Alzheimer's disease,” Craft said. “We believe these treatments could offer real therapeutic potential, either on their own or in combination with other Alzheimer's therapies.

”Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.