Sydney: Australian experts have discovered that metformin, a common drug used in type 2 diabetes, not only controls blood glucose but also strengthens the brain, leading to dementia and other similar brain diseases. The risk is also reduced.
The study, conducted in collaboration with several medical institutes in New South Wales, Australia, was supported by data from a long-term study on aging and memory, launched in 2005.
The study continues today, with 1,037 participants aged between 70 and 90. Of these, 127 were diabetics, who were exposed to metformin use and the likelihood of developing dementia.
A six-year study of their physical and mental health data revealed that those who were controlling their diabetes with the help of “Metforman” had less brain degeneration. And their risk of other mental illnesses, including dementia, was significantly lower.
In contrast, the rate of dementia and other mental illnesses was significantly higher in older people who did not have diabetes or were taking medications other than metformin to control their diabetes.
The study was published online in the latest issue of the American Diabetes Association’s journal Diabetes Care.
It should be noted that in 2017, the results of a study on metformin and cancer have been published, which showed that this drug additionally reduces the chances of various cancers. This is the first study of its kind on the relationship between metformin and dementia.