Is Glucagon-like peptide-1, an agent treating diabetes, a new hope for Alzheimer's disease?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has been endorsed as a promising and attractive agent in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and T2DM share some common pathophysiologic hallmarks, such as amyloid beta (Abeta), phosphoralation of tau protein, and glycogen synthase kinase-3. GLP-1 possesses neurotropic properties and can reduce amyloid protein levels in the brain. Based on extensive studies during the past decades, the understanding on AD leads us to believe that the primary targets in AD are the Abeta and tau protein. Combine these findings, GLP-1 is probably a promising agent in the therapy of AD. This review was focused on the biochemistry and physiology of GLP-1, communities between T2DM and AD, new progresses of GLP-1 in treating T2MD and improving some pathologic hallmarks of AD.