GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS IN THE TREATMENT OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

• DOI: I https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595172511043

• Palavras-chave: GLP-1 agonists, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Neuroprotection, Pharmacological treatment.

• Keywords: GLP-1 agonists, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Neuroprotection, Pharmacological treatment.

• Abstract:

  Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the management of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD), highlighting their neuroprotective mechanisms and impact on contemporary neurology. Methodology: Bibliographic review of articles published between 2020 and 2025 in the PubMed-MEDLINE database, using the descriptors "GLP-1 Receptor Agonists", "Alzheimer's Disease" and "Parkinson's Disease" combined with Boolean operators "AND" and "OR". Only complete, peer-reviewed studies in English were included, excluding duplicates, abstracts and articles out of scope, resulting in the analysis of 15 studies. Discussion: GLP-1 agonists show neuroprotective effects in AD and PD, reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis. In AD, there is evidence of a reduction in beta-amyloid deposits and hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein, slowing disease progression. In PD, dopaminergic preservation and motor improvement are observed, suggesting a positive impact on patients' quality of life. However, the limited number of clinical trials prevents definitive conclusions, requiring further studies to confirm their long-term efficacy and safety. Conclusion: GLP-1 agonists show promising therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases, but further studies are needed to validate their clinical application and establish safe guidelines.