### DPP-4 Inhibitors and Their Potential Role in Reducing Dementia Progression A recent study suggests that DPP-4 inhibitors, a class of drugs prescribed to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, may also help reduce the progression of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. These drugs, including Januvia (sitagliptin), Onglyza (saxagliptin), Tradjenta (linagliptin), and Nesina (alogliptin), are already approved by the FDA for diabetes management. The study, published in the August 2021 issue of Neurology, involved 282 participants with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that those taking DPP-4 inhibitors had lower levels of amyloid plaque in their brains, which is associated with memory decline. The participants were divided into three groups: 70 people with diabetes treated with DPP-4 inhibitors, 71 people with diabetes not taking these drugs, and 141 people without diabetes. Brain scans showed that those on DPP-4 inhibitors had a lower amyloid burden compared to the other groups. Additionally, individuals with diabetes who took DPP-4 inhibitors experienced smaller declines in global cognition and memory recall. While the study's findings are promising, it had limitations, including a small sample size and lack of baseline blood sugar data. More extensive research, including randomized clinical trials, is needed to confirm these results and determine if DPP-4 inhibitors can directly slow cognitive decline. For now, people with type 2 diabetes should continue taking their prescribed medications, including DPP-4 inhibitors if recommended by their doctors. However, it is too early to take DPP-4 inhibitors solely for the hope of preventing dementia.