Date of Award

12-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

First Advisor

Jason Brumitt

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and dementia share a similar pathogenesis of insulin resistance, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress.1 Individuals diagnosed with T2DM are at an increased risk of experiencing accelerated cognitive decline, attributed to the underlying disease process, furthermore increasing the likelihood of developing dementia.1 According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dementia was the second leading cause of death, with over 250,000 deaths associated with Alzheimer’s disease alone.2 Currently, there are only two classes of drugs available for the symptomatic treatment of dementia: N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist and cholinesterase inhibitors.2However, no drug class has been made available for the reversal or reduction of dementia pathology.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the capabilities of GLP-1 agonists, in individuals with T2DM, as a potential treatment option for dementia. Therapeutic options that slow down the progression of dementia could improve the quality of life for millions and positively change healthcare.

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