A study found that the diabetes drug liraglutide, made by Novo Nordisk, slowed the progression of Alzheimer's disease by 18% in patients compared to a placebo. Liraglutide also slowed the shrinking of parts of the brain critical for memory and thinking by nearly 50%, according to MRI scans. The drug belongs to a class of diabetes medications called GLP-1s, which are being studied for other health benefits beyond regulating blood sugar and weight loss. Nearly 7 million Americans have Alzheimer's, the 5th leading cause of death for those over 65. Cases are projected to rise dramatically by 2050 without new treatments.
