Two students at University of Galway have led a breakthrough study on diabetes drugs and dementia risk.
The study involved a systematic review and analysis of 26 clinical trials, involving more than 160 thousand participants.
The study looked at medications that lower blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart disease in people with diabetes.
They wanted to know how or if these treatments affect the risk of developing dementia.
They found that most glucose-lowering drugs weren't significantly associated with reduced risk.
But critically, one class of drugs - known as GLP-1 receptor agonists - were identified as being linked with a very significant reduction of 45 percent.
The team says the findings provide crucial insights into the potential for diabetes medication to influence long-term brain health.
The study was lead by medical undergrad students Allie Seminer and Alfredi Mulihano, with the support of researchers from local institutions including UHG.
