Beneficial effects of metformin treatment on memory impairment

Mol Biol Rep. 2024 May 10;51(1):640. doi: 10.1007/s11033-024-09445-1.

Abstract

Memory issues are a prevalent symptom in different neurodegenerative diseases and can also manifest in certain psychiatric conditions. Despite limited medications approved for treating memory problems, research suggests a lack of sufficient options in the market. Studies indicate that a significant percentage of elderly individuals experience various forms of memory disorders. Metformin, commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, has shown neuroprotective properties through diverse mechanisms. This study explores the potential of metformin in addressing memory impairments. The current research gathered its data by conducting an extensive search across electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Previous research suggests that metformin enhances brain cell survival and memory function in both animal and clinical models by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death while increasing beneficial neurotrophic factors. The findings of the research revealed that metformin is an effective medication for enhancing various types of memory problems in numerous studies. Given the rising incidence of memory disorders, it is plausible to utilize metformin, which is an affordable and accessible drug. It is often recommended as a treatment to boost memory.

Keywords: Memory disorders; Memory impairment; Metformin; Neuroprotective.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / pharmacology
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Memory / drug effects
  • Memory Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Metformin* / pharmacology
  • Metformin* / therapeutic use
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects

Substances

  • Metformin
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Hypoglycemic Agents