Cheap Diabetes drug could reduce dementia risk

A drug used to treat type 2 diabetes is Australia’s seventh-most commonly prescribed medication. Research has revealed it could also help the ageing brain.

Ian Fisher’s father passed away following a battle with dementia 21 years ago – and the fear that he may also suffer the same fate has played on his emotions ever since.

“It’s an insidious disease,” he said.

“While we believe so far it’s not hereditary, it plays on you, you wonder: ‘Am I going to go the same way’?”

After retiring from his career as a high-level consultant in his late 60s, Mr Fisher noticed his short term memory start to fade, and the fear of being diagnosed with the same disease that took his dad began to creep back in.

He researched studies around dementia and Alzheimer’s, and came across a particular study that used a popular diabetes medication to try and slow cognitive decline.

Metformin, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, is Australia’s seventh-most commonly prescribed drug.

But it’s believed the drug’s advantages could extend far beyond diabetes, after a study published in 2020 found Metformin also helped the ageing brain.

Ian Fisher at the Garvan Institute in Sydney where he has been part of a trial which used a diabetes drug to help prevent his dementia advancing. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Clinical scientists at the Garvan Institute are seeking participants for MetMemory, a Phase 3 clinical trial to examine the effects of Metformin on cognition, brain anatomy, vascular health and early signs of dementia.

“We know Metformin has a whole range of other effects than just managing diabetes,” The Garvan Institute’s professor Katherine Samaras said.

“There are probably multiple effects that could reduce cerebral inflammation, improve the metabolism in the brain and improve cellular function in the brain.”

Success of the randomised-controlled trial would mean that a TGA-approved treatment for slowing cognitive decline could be immediately available.

“If we can show proof this works, the medication could be available the next week,” professor Samaras said.

“And it’s not one of these medications that you have to pay an arm and a leg for, it’s one of these medications that is accessible by everybody.”

Metformin, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, is Australia’s seventh-most commonly prescribed drug.

Now aged 69, Mr Fisher joined the Garvan Institute’s three-year trial about 12 months ago and in that time has seen an improvement in his memory, noting he was “less forgetful” and that his sleep pattern had improved.

“My memory, according to others, was extremely strong, but just after I retired there were little blips of the memory,” he said.

“And I kept thinking: ‘I don't think I’m that guy’ and that was something you struggle to come to terms with.

“But I feel like I am improved to an extent.”

Researchers from the Garvan Institute are looking for 100 participants in the Greater Sydney region to complete recruitment of their three-year study.

To get involved, visit: https://www.garvan.org.au/research/clinical-trials/metmemory

Originally published as Cheap Diabetes drug could reduce dementia risk