A common type 2 diabetes drug is associated with a lower risk of dementia, latest research has indicated.
Scientists from Taipei Medical University have found that metformin can combat the development of dementia.
In addition, they have discovered that the type 2 diabetes drug can prevent an early death.
A total of 452,777 individuals with varying degrees of overweight and obesity took part in the trial.
Throughout the 10-year study, 35,784 cases of dementia were reported, and 76,048 deaths were logged.
The findings have shown that the participants who used metformin were up to 12% less likely to develop dementia compared to those not using the drug.
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Additionally, the metformin users were also up to 28% less likely to die compared to those not using metformin, the study has reported.
Lead author Dr Chiehfeng Chen said: “Although our study results are promising for metformin’s effects on dementia and mortality, further research is required to explore the mechanisms involved.”
Read the full study in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
