As one of the most commonly prescribed medications across the globe, metformin is the first-line treatment for most cases of type 2 diabetes.

A recent research paper published in Journal Diabetes Care has revealed that metformin may have an additional effect in an individual with type 2 diabetes. The study findings showed that individuals with type 2 diabetes experienced a slower cognitive decline with reduced frequency of dementia compared with those who did not use metformin.

The cohort study collected data from 123 study participants who had type 2 diabetes, and 67 were on metformin for blood glucose level optimization. In this long-term study, the researchers assessed cognitive function every two years, with the help of assessment tools measuring several capabilities, including memory, executive function, attention and speed, and language.

The results have suggested that individuals with type 2 diabetes who were on metformin therapy have statistically significant slower cognitive degeneration and smaller dementia risk compared with those who did not take metformin. However, there was no variation in the level of decline in cognitive abilities in those who were without diabetes.

For over 60 years metformin has been safely used to treat type 2 diabetes via the reduction of glucose release from the liver into the systemic circulation and improving the response of the body cells to blood glucose levels. Along with several other benefits of metformin in diabetes and beyond, withthis latest study, metformin has also been reported to provide cognitive benefits for people living with type 2 diabetes.

Reference:

1. Katherine Samaras, Steve Makkar, John D. Crawford, Nicole A. Kochan, Wei Wen, Brian Draper, Julian N. Trollor, Henry Brodaty, Perminder S. Sachdev. Metformin Use Is Associated With Slowed Cognitive Decline and Reduced Incident Dementia in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: The Sydney Memory and Ageing Study. Diabetes Care, 2020; dc200892 DOI: 10.2337/dc20-0892