Metformin mitigates dementia risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

This mini-narrative review explores the relationship between diabetes and dementia, focusing on the potential mitigating role of metformin in reducing cognitive decline among individuals with type 2 diabetes. The interplay of factors such as glycemic control, diabetic complications, and lifestyle influences characterises diabetes-related dementia. This review emphasises the significance of comprehensive diabetes management in addressing the heightened risk of dementia in this population. Methodologically, the review synthesises evidence from 23 studies retrieved through searches on PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Current evidence suggests a predominantly positive association between metformin use and a reduced risk of dementia in individuals with diabetes. However, the review shows the complex nature of these outcomes, revealing variations in results in some studies. These discrepancies show the importance of exploring dose–response relationships, long-term effects, and demographic diversity to unravel the complexities of metformin's impact on cognitive health. Limitations in the existing body of research, including methodological disparities and confounding variables, necessitate refined approaches in future studies. Large-scale prospective longitudinal studies and randomised controlled trials focusing specifically on cognitive effects are recommended. Propensity score matching and exploration of molecular mechanisms can enhance the validity of findings in clinical practice. From a clinical perspective, metformin can serve as a potential adjunctive therapy for individuals with diabetes at risk of cognitive decline.

Introduction

Diabetes-related dementia is a significant concern due to the increased risk of dementia in individuals with type 2 diabetes [1]. The relationship between diabetes and dementia is complex and multifaceted [1]. Studies have shown that both low and high HbA1C levels are associated with an increased risk of dementia in individuals with diabetes, indicating a non-linear relationship [1, 2]. Additionally, uncontrolled diabetes has been linked to an elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the importance of glycemic control in mitigating dementia risk [3]. Furthermore, severe diabetic retinal disease has been identified as a potential risk factor for dementia in individuals with type 2 diabetes, emphasising the need for comprehensive management of diabetic complications to reduce the likelihood of developing dementia [4].

The impact of lifestyle factors on diabetes-related dementia has also been investigated, with studies suggesting that a combination of healthy lifestyle factors is associated with a reduced risk of dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes [5]. However, the aetiology of diabetes-related dementia remains unclear, and it has been proposed that dementia in diabetic patients should be regarded as an independent disease, distinct from Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, due to its unique pathophysiological characteristics related to diabetes [6,7,8].

The investigation into metformin as a potential mitigating agent for dementia risk among individuals with diabetes is grounded in the expanding body of evidence highlighting its plausible neuroprotective role [9]. Metformin's potential as a neuroprotective agent has been linked to its ability to lower mortality and age-related diseases independently of its impact on diabetes control [10,11,12,13,14]. Empirical evidence suggests that metformin might mitigate dementia risk by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and countering the deleterious effects of advanced glycosylation end products produced during hyperglycemia [10, 11]. These collective findings show metformin's potential not only in diabetes management but also in addressing neurological disorders. This study aims to review the current evidence for metformin as a mitigating agent for dementia risk among individuals with diabetes.

Methodology

We searched PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar and Scopus to conduct this narrative review see Table 1. We formulated a database search strategy based on keywords such as "diabetes," "diabetes mellitus," "diabetes mellitus, Type 2", "metformin," "biguanides," "metformin benefits," "anti-diabetic medications," "memory," "cognition," "cognitive-impairment," "amnestic mild cognitive impairment," "Alzheimer's disease," "Parkinson's disease," and "dementia." We also used other texts selected based on the existing literature and/or obtained from related bibliographies, combined using Boolean operators as follows: ((dementia) OR (cognitive-impairment) OR (cognitive function) OR (neurodegenerative diseases)) AND ((metformin) OR (anti-diabetic drugs)). Furthermore, we manually searched relevant articles cited within the retrieved studies to avoid omitting important research articles.

Table 1 Methodology

We only considered articles that a) presented results in English, b) had full text available, and c) specifically assessed dementia risk in patients with diabetes who were on metformin therapy. On the other hand, we excluded studies with a) missing data, b) articles that did not focus on metformin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus, c) studies performed on patients with significant neurological, psychiatric disease or cancer, and d) studies performed in vitro or animal models. We limited the study scope to randomised controlled trials, retrospective cohort studies, prospective observational studies, comparator studies, and case–control studies but excluded books, letters, editorials, conferences, and commentaries.

During the data extraction process, we evaluated the study characteristics such as the publication type, year, study design, study focus, sample size, and the number of positive and negative outcomes. It is important to note that we focused on the probable benefit of metformin in mitigating dementia risk among individuals with diabetes despite the controversial nature of the topic.

Current evidence in existing literature

Our review identified 23 studies, including sample sizes ranging from 305 to 446,105 participants see Table 2. A majority of these studies, 17 out of the 23 [10, 11, 13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27], reported positive outcomes regarding the relationship between metformin use and dementia risk in individuals with diabetes. Metformin is the preferred first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus [9]. It can be safely administered with other antidiabetic drugs and has been demonstrated to reduce insulin resistance and improve glycaemic control [9]. However, a review of clinical trials paints a mixed picture of the connection between the use of metformin and the incidence of dementia among patients with diabetes.

Table 2 Study characteristics

The findings of observational studies examining the possible link between metformin and dementia risk have been inconclusive. Eleven (57.9%) of the 19 analysed publications had positive results, proving that metformin may help lower the risk of dementia [10, 11, 13, 14, 18,19,20,21,22,23,24, 27]. Five articles (26.3%) had an elevated risk [25, 26, 28,29,30], whereas three (15.8%) provided a condition for decreased risk [15,16,17]. A retrospective cohort study by Chin-Hsiao Tseng indicated a lower risk when metformin was used with other medications, such as acarbose and pioglitazone [18]. At the end of a 6-month follow-up study, a significant difference in cognitive performance compared to baseline in frail women treated with extended-release metformin (p: 0.007) was observed [27]. Huang et al. highlighted the protective benefits of metformin when used at a low dose [16]. At the same time, Huang et al. reported higher doses of metformin with a higher intensity showed no protective role against dementia [16]. However, cohort studies by Yi-Chun Kuan showed mixed results. They raised questions because they linked long-term metformin use to a higher risk of dementia from all causes, including vascular disease and Alzheimer's disease [28, 32]. Scherrer et al. showed that the effects of metformin vary in different subpopulations, indicating a lower risk in some individuals (> 50 years) [21].

Furthermore, the results from I-Shiang Tzeng raise questions about the possibility that metformin and DPP-4 inhibitor combination therapy alleviated the risk of dementia [26]. These varied results highlight the complex nature of the connection between dementia and metformin use and highlight the need for additional studies, especially examining dose–response interactions, long-term effects, and demographic diversity to offer a more thorough understanding. Among the notable findings is a study conducted by Chin-Hsiao Tseng in 2019, which indicated a reduction in the risk of dementia associated with metformin, particularly in the female population [18]. Furthermore, the use of a combination of three drugs (Metformin, acarbose, pioglitazone) was associated with the lowest risk of dementia, as highlighted in the same study [18]. Additionally, a study by Yonghwan Kim et al. demonstrated a dose–response relationship, revealing that Metformin use in an elderly population with diabetes mellitus contributed to a reduction in dementia risk [19]. However, a retrospective cohort study by Ariela R. Orkaby et al. in 2017 suggested that metformin was associated with a lower risk of subsequent dementia compared to sulfonylurea use in veterans aged 75 years and older [13]. Notably, a lower risk was also observed in a subset of younger veterans who maintained an HbA1C value of 7% and exhibited good renal function [13]. In the 2015 study by Kwang-pil Ko et al., a comprehensive evaluation of metformin's efficacy in modulating physical and mental profiles was undertaken, revealing favourable outcomes [22]. Specifically, within the age group of 65 to 74 years, metformin demonstrated a statistically significant association with a reduced risk of dementia across various racial categories. However, a distinctive pattern emerged among patients aged 75 years and older, as metformin exhibited no statistically significant association with dementia within this older demographic [23].

Theoretically, antidiabetic drugs designed to ameliorate insulin resistance within the brain hold promise in preventing Alzheimer's disease or dementia [18, 31]. In a study involving 17,200 new users of metformin, a lower risk of dementia was reported in a subset of younger veterans exhibiting HbA1C values ≥ 7%, those with good renal function, and individuals of white ethnicity [13]. In a study conducted, T2DM compared with no medication, sulfonylureas alone reduced the HR from 1 to 0.85 (0.71–1.01), metformin alone to 0.76 (0.58–0.98), while with combined oral therapy, the HR was 0.65 (0.56–0.74) [20]. Adjustments included cerebrovascular diseases so that non-stroke-related dementias were found to be decreased in DM with sulfonylurea and metformin therapy. T2DM increases the risk of dementia more than 2-fold.

Elevated blood glucose levels pose a potential threat to cerebral function, contributing to an elevated risk of dementia in individuals with diabetes [19, 31]. The link between diabetes and dementia is likely multifactorial, involving mechanisms such as inflammation, oxidative stress, atherosclerosis, amyloid-β deposition, brain insulin resistance accompanied by hyperinsulinemia, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), and dysregulation of lipid metabolism [20, 33]. Metformin, recognised as the primary first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus, operates by curbing hepatic gluconeogenesis and augmenting muscular glucose uptake by activating 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) [21]. Beyond its glucose-lowering effects, metformin has demonstrated additional benefits in individuals with type 2 diabetes, including reducing the risk of atherosclerotic events, protection against certain cancers, and an anti-ageing effect [20].

The potential neuroprotective effects of metformin are suggested to stem from its capacity to inhibit inflammatory responses and enhance cognitive function [16]. Apolipoprotein E (APOE), a crucial protein in lipid transport and brain injury repair, is implicated in Alzheimer's disease risk [21]. Specific APOE gene polymorphisms, particularly the ε4 allele, elevate the risk of AD, while the ε2 allele is associated with reduced risk [10]. The APOE ε4 allele is also linked to an increased risk of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and age-related cognitive decline. A recent study hinted at an association between metformin use and a faster decline in delayed memory among carriers of the APOE ε4 allele, prompting the need for further research to elucidate the potential influence of APOE ε4 genotype on the therapeutic effects of metformin [29].

Limitations and future directions

Existing studies on metformin’s involvement in reducing dementia risk in patients with diabetes have significant limitations that should be considered. First, many studies have methodological variances, such as differences in study design, sample size, and outcome measures. This variation makes obtaining standardised results difficult and direct comparisons between investigations difficult. Furthermore, the heterogeneity within the examined groups, which includes age and diabetes duration, complicates interpretation and restricts the generalizability of the findings. Most observational studies failed to address bias or did not address it clearly, making the evidence less efficient. Another significant issue is the possibility of confounding variables influencing the outcomes. Factors such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle decisions, and concurrent pharmaceutical use may all impact cognitive performance independent of metformin, making it difficult to assign observed effects to medication alone. Furthermore, contradictions in studies are exacerbated by differences in the definitions of dementia and cognitive decline between studies.

Future studies should target certain areas to address these constraints and to increase understanding. Large-scale, well-designed, prospective longitudinal studies with long follow-up periods can provide stronger data and aid in determining causation. In addition, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) focusing only on the cognitive effects of metformin would provide more control over confounding factors. Subgroup analyses within the diabetic population, considering variables such as age, sex, and diabetes management details, would help better understand the influence of metformin on various patient groups. Applying propensity score matching, or at the very least, a match for age, sex, and health status, will improve data validity by lowering baseline variability and, if possible, investigate the relationship between metformin usage, B-12 vitamin levels, and dementia. To inform clinical practice, it is critical to investigate dose–response relationships and optimal dosages for potential cognitive benefits.

Furthermore, a thorough examination of the molecular mechanisms underlying the influence of metformin on cognitive performance is required. This knowledge can guide focused therapies and identify individuals most benefit from metformin therapy. Future research should prioritise uniform study designs, investigate specific demographic subgroups, and explore molecular causes to improve the reliability and usefulness of the findings in clinical practice.

Implications for clinical practice

Clinically, the favourable results observed in multiple studies imply that metformin may be a feasible alternative for people with diabetes, particularly for those at risk of cognitive loss see Fig. 1.

Fig. 1

Metformin in dementia risk in type 2 diabetes

Healthcare practitioners should inform patients about the potential cognitive benefits in addition to glycemic control. However, care is advised owing to inconsistent findings and potential issues, such as the variation in the metformin outcome, increased risk of vitamin B-12 insufficiency, and identified risk with certain combinations, emphasising the importance of tailored treatment programs and regular cognitive monitoring. A multidisciplinary approach that combines endocrinologists, neurologists, and senior experts is required to address the complicated connection between diabetes control and cognitive health. Senior experts such as diabetologists are key in tailoring diabetes treatment plans to achieve optimal glycemic control [34]. In addition, it is essential also to involve psychologists and occupational therapists. These professionals play pivotal roles in the identification, comprehensive assessment, and rehabilitation processes associated with dementia [35]. They collaborate closely to develop tailored interventions that address cognitive deficits and consider the individual's emotional and functional aspects [36]. This collaborative effort ensures a more personalised approach to patient care.

At the public health level, awareness programs should be launched to educate diabetic patients about the potential cognitive consequences of metformin and the significance of making informed decisions. Comprehensive studies investigating dose–response connections, long-term consequences, and population-specific effects should receive research funding. Public health guidelines must be revised to reflect increasing evidence, giving healthcare practitioners clear advice on using metformin in diabetes management taking both glycaemic control and cognitive outcomes into account. Policymakers should consider these findings when developing diabetes management policies and public health initiatives to ensure that possible cognitive effects are integrated into broader healthcare programs.

Limitations and strengths of review

The review provides clear implications for clinical practice, suggesting that metformin may be a feasible adjunctive therapy for individuals with diabetes at risk of cognitive decline. The multidisciplinary approach recommended for navigating the complex relationship between diabetes control and cognitive health enhances the practicality of the review's recommendations. Also, the review identifies varied outcomes across studies, emphasising the complexity of the relationship between metformin use and dementia risk. This acknowledgement of diverse findings encourages a more cautious interpretation and highlights the need for further research. However, the included studies exhibit methodological disparities, including differences in study design, sample size, and outcome measures. This variation makes it challenging to obtain standardised results and directly compare findings between investigations.

Conclusion

The body of evidence exploring metformin's role in mitigating dementia risk among individuals with diabetes presents a complex yet promising landscape. The interplay between diabetes and dementia shows the importance of glycemic control and comprehensive management of diabetic complications in reducing the likelihood of cognitive decline. This mini-narrative review reveals a spectrum of outcomes regarding the potential connection between metformin use and dementia risk in patients with diabetes. While a majority of studies suggest a positive association between metformin use and a reduced risk of dementia, the complex nature of these findings prompts a cautious interpretation. Dose–response interactions, long-term effects, and demographic diversity emerge as critical factors requiring further investigation to understand metformin's impact on cognitive health. Noteworthy variations in outcomes across studies highlight the need for standardised methodologies and robust study designs in future research endeavours.