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*The study was only able to detect a correlation and could not prove that pioglitazone was reducing patients’ risk of dementia. 

Diabetes drug already taken by millions may lower risk of dementia https://t.co/rtg2abHhxn

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) February 15, 2023

Diabetes drug already taken by millions of Americans and Brits may lower risk of DEMENTIA by up to a third, study suggests

• Pioglitazone, sold as Actos, is only available to type 2 diabetes patients
• It may help people avoid dementia by reducing inflammation in the brain 
• READ MORE: Middle-aged diabetics are four times more likely to get dementia

By Luke Andrews Health Reporter For Dailymail.Com

Updated: 21:25 GMT, 15 February 2023

A common type 2 diabetes drug may lower the risk of dementia, a study suggests. 

Diabetes has long been linked to an increased risk of dementia, which is thought to be due to low blood sugar levels damaging areas of the brain, as well as diabetes’ link to high blood pressure.

Scientists in South Korea found an association between taking pioglitazone — sold under the brand name Actos — and lower rates of dementia for type 2 diabetics.

The study tracked 91,000 adults in their 60s, including 3,500 who took the drug, over 10 years. The longer patients had been taking the drug, the lower their risk of dementia. 

Those on the drug for more than four years appeared to be 37 percent less likely to be diagnosed with the condition.

The study was only able to detect a correlation and could not prove that pioglitazone was reducing patients’ risk of dementia. 

Pioglitazone is available on prescription for type 2 diabetes patients. 

It is prescribed to around 3million Americans and more than a million Britons every year.

Past studies have also linked the drug with a reduced risk of dementia and even suggested it can help to prevent hospitalization and death from Covid.

Pioglitazone has been available since 1985.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11754493/Diabetes-drug-lower-risk-DEMENTIA-study-suggests.html?ito=social-twitter_dailymailus&ito=social-twitter_mailonline

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