Neuropsychiatric side effects of semaglutide in patients with dementia.
BMJ Case Rep · 2025
Last updated 2026-05-28A case study reported severe psychological and physical side effects, including apathy, weight loss, and decreased appetite, in an older woman with dementia after starting semaglutide. The symptoms improved after the medication was stopped, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of psychiatric side effects in older adults with cognitive impairment.
AI summary of the abstract below.
| Journal | BMJ Case Rep, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Citations | 0 |
| Molecules | semaglutide |
| Conditions studied | Alzheimers |
Abstract
An older woman with dementia and type 2 diabetes was started on semaglutide and subsequently developed severe psychological and physical symptoms, including apathy, significant weight loss and decreased appetite. These symptoms markedly improved after the medication was discontinued. This case underscores the importance of recognising potential psychiatric side effects of semaglutide, especially in older adults with cognitive impairment. The experience highlights the need for careful monitoring when prescribing semaglutide in this population and suggests that discontinuation should be considered if adverse symptoms arise. It also raises awareness about the limited safety data on semaglutide in older patients, emphasising the necessity of further research to understand its effects on this vulnerable group.
Verbatim abstract via PubMed 40759509 ↗
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