Introduction: This study assessed the heterogeneous treatment effects (HTEs) of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) on the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).
Methods: This target trial emulation study included adults (≥ 50 years) with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and newly prescribed a GLP-1RA, SGLT2i, or other second-line glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs). A doubly robust learning approach was deployed to estimate the risk difference (RD) of ADRD and identify key subgroups.
Results: Both GLP-1RAs (RD, -1.5%) and SGLT2is (-1.7%) were associated with a reduced ADRD risk compared to other GLDs. Key subgroups were determined based on cardiovascular disease (CVD), cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), chronic kidney disease, and Hispanic ethnicity. Patients with CVD and CeVD had the greatest benefits from GLP-1RAs (-4.8%) and SGLT2is (-4.6%). No overall difference was observed between GLP-1RAs and SGLT2i.
Discussion: These findings suggest the importance of personalized treatment in diabetes management regarding ADRD risk.
Highlights: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), while the protective association varied across subgroups defined by cardiovascular disease (CVD), cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Similarly, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) were associated with a decreased risk of ADRD, with the protective association varying among subgroups defined by CVD, CeVD, and Hispanic ethnicity. There was no difference between GLP-1RAs and SGLT2is in the risk of ADRD.
Keywords: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; GLP‐1RAs; SGLT2is; type 2 diabetes.
© 2025 The Author(s). Alzheimer's & Dementia published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Alzheimer's Association.