Metformin attenuates white matter microstructural changes in Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

Objectives: A body of evidence suggests that individuals with diabetes face an elevated susceptibility to developing Alzheimer's disease when compared to the general populace. Prior research has indicated the potential of metformin to confer a protective influence in postponing dementia onset among diabetic patients. Nevertheless, data are scarce regarding the impact of metformin on microstructural alterations. The primary objective of this study is to explore the influence of metformin on white matter microstructural change in non-demented individuals with diabetes.Methods: We entered 113 non-demented diabetic subjects including 77 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 36 cognitively healthy individuals from Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) which were then categorized as metformin users and non-users. We used the ANCOVA model to measure the association between metformin use and DTI values.Results: Results of the univariate model indicate that metformin users had a higher FA value left hippocampal cingulum (p = 0.003) and right internal capsule (p = 0.004). Moreover, the MD value of the right inferior frontal-occipital fasciculus was lower in those who used metformin compared to those not use it (p = 0.027).Conclusion: Our results revealed that metformin has protective effects on brain microstructural changes in elderly individuals with diabetes who do not exhibit signs of dementia. A comparison of the groups yielded compelling evidence of reduced neurodegeneration among those utilizing metformin.

Keywords

• alzheimer's disease
• metformin
• diabetes
• white matter