The active ingredient in Ozempic was associated with a 40% to 70% lower risk of a first-time Alzheimer's diagnosis in diabetes patients.

Nearly 7 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which gradually destroys memory and thinking skills and the ability to perform daily tasks.

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug, and is the active agent in Ozempic and its weight-loss cousin, Wegovy. These medications mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which helps control insulin and blood sugar levels, decreases appetite and slows digestion of food.

Patients taking Novo Nordisk A/S’s Ozempic were at significantly reduced risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, according to new research that adds to the evidence surrounding the drug’s effects in diseases beyond type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, appeared to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people with Type 2 diabetes, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

In an observational study, Novo Nordisk’s drug Ozempic was linked to a lower risk of getting diagnosed with Alzheimer’s among people with type 2 diabetes.