Liraglutide Possibly Prevents Progression of Dementia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the usefulness of liraglutide in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes to prevent progression of dementia. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 31 outpatients with 65 years of age or older, who have been treated with liraglutide for 6 years (Group G; 12 males/19 females, 73.1 ± 8.6 years-old, HbA1c 7.5 ± 0.4%, 9 patients with cerebrovascular diseases, 8 patients with cardiovascular diseases, 16 patients with insulin therapy). Daily dose of liraglutide was 0.9 mg except 2 patients (0.6 mg). We examined Voxel-based Specific Regional Analysis System for Alzheimer’s Disease (VSRAD) on MRI, max-IMT measured by carotid artery ultrasonography, visceral fat area, concentrations of HbA1c and FPG, serum levels of CRP, HDL/LDL cholesterol, and TG, both before and after the treatment. Age, HbA1c, and VSRAD values-matched 16 patients who were treated with linagliptin were analyzed as a control (Group D). Results: After 6 years, VSRAD was significantly deteriorated in Group D (1.06±0.98→1.39±1.05 (p<0.01)) but not in Group G (1.28±0.80→1.39±1.1 (NS)). Max IMT and visceral fat are was significantly improved in Group G (2.41±1.50→2.09±0.84 (p<0.05), 141.1±57.2→127.2±52.9 (p<0.01)), but not in group D (2.04±1.01→1.99±0.68 (NS), 102.4±66.5→106.6±62.7cm2 (NS)). CRP was decreased in Group G (0.12±0.11→0.09±0.12mg/dl (p<0.01)). HbA1c (7.5±0.4 → 7.0±0.5 vs. 7.3±0.3 → 6.8±0.4%), FPG (137±19 → 121±11 vs. 129±12→110±15mg/dl), were significantly improved in both groups (p<0.01). No hypoglycemia requiring medical intervention was observed. Only TG in Group G (167±53→147±34mg/dl (p <0.01)) was improved in lipid parameters. During the 6 years, antidementia drugs were prescribed for 2 patients in both groups. A stroke event was found in a patient of Group D. Conclusion: Liraglutide possibly prevent progression of dementia. The reduction of visceral obesity may contribute to this beneficial effect through anti-arteriosclerosis. Disclosure M. Yoshida: None. A. Yoshida: None. E. Oh: None. N. Yamamoto: None. E. Sasaki: None. S. Yoshida: None. N. Ohsawa: None. M. Sugino: None. I. Koyama: None.