Potential Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is currently one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide and is characterized by excessive accumulation of amyloid- plaques, tau protein hyperphosphorylation, and chronic neuroinflammation.However, there are no effective cures or therapies for the treatment of AD.Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), a class of medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, have recently emerged as novel candidates for AD therapy.Preclinical studies demonstrate that GLP-1 RAs efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier, reduce amyloid burden, attenuate neuroinflammation, and improve neuronal survival.Furthermore, early clinical studies show their potential for cognitive benefits in patients with AD.This review paper examines the molecular mechanism of GLP-1R signaling in the central nervous system and its therapeutic effects in the treatment of AD.Additionally, emerging therapeutic strategies, such as dual agonist treatments and organoids, offer potential increases in research and development speed, paving the way for promising future development of GLP-1 RAs and their translational progress into AD.Together, these findings suggest that GLP-1RAs are promising therapies for the treatment of AD in humans.