Effects of the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in early Alzheimer's disease: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION

Due to its metabolic effects, dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, holds potential as an Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutic.

METHODS

We conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 12-week single-site study to investigate the effect of dapagliflozin in participants with probable AD (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score 15-26). We planned to enroll 48 participants with 2:1 randomization to 10 mg dapagliflozin once daily (n = 32) versus matching placebo (n = 16). The primary objective was the effect of dapagliflozin on cerebral N-acetylaspartate (NAA). We also assessed safety, glycemic control, body composition, brain metabolism, and cognition.

RESULTS

There was no change in the primary outcome. There were no significant adverse event differences. Hemoglobin A1c, fat mass, and fat-free lean mass decreased; brain glutathione increased; and Stroop Interference test (but not other cognitive test) performance improved.

DISCUSSION

Treated participants manifested metabolic effects observed in clinical studies of other cohorts. In AD, dapagliflozin use may affect the brain.

HIGHLIGHTS

Dapagliflozin did not alter magnetic resonance spectroscopy N-acetylaspartate (primary outcome) in this exploratory Alzheimer's disease (AD) trial. Dapagliflozin-induced glucose disposal is sufficient to alter systemic metabolism. AD patients taking dapagliflozin exhibited metabolic effects seen in diabetics.