Diabetes

Stopping Metformin Linked to Higher Dementia Risk

Jasmine C

16 Sep 2025 — 2 min read

Brain, Mental Health

What Did the Research Discover?

This study explored whether stopping metformin therapy—particularly for reasons unrelated to kidney dysfunction—was linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. Researchers analyzed data from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, following over 41,000 metformin users for up to 24 years.

The findings revealed that individuals who discontinued metformin while having normal kidney function had a 21% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those who continued taking metformin or stopped due to kidney-related concerns. Even after adjusting for demographic and health-related factors, the increased risk remained significant.

To investigate possible reasons for this link, researchers examined whether worsening blood sugar control (measured by HbA1c levels) or increased insulin use after stopping metformin could explain the dementia risk. However, the results showed minimal mediation by these factors, suggesting that the protective effects of metformin against dementia may go beyond its role in glucose regulation.

How Can I Apply This Information?

For people with diabetes, this study reinforces the potential long-term benefits of staying on metformin unless there is a clear medical reason to stop. While metformin is primarily prescribed to lower blood sugar, its possible role in reducing dementia risk adds another reason for patients and doctors to carefully weigh the decision to discontinue treatment.

If you experience side effects from metformin, talk to your healthcare provider before stopping. Alternatives like extended-release formulations or adjusting dosing schedules may help minimize discomfort while maintaining the drug’s benefits.

For healthcare providers, these findings suggest that metformin discontinuation should be approached cautiously, particularly for older patients at higher risk of dementia. If a patient stops metformin, close monitoring for changes in cognitive function, blood sugar levels, and alternative treatment options may be warranted.

While this study cannot prove causation, it supports growing evidence that metformin might play a role in brain health beyond diabetes management. Future research will be needed to confirm whether metformin could be a potential strategy for dementia prevention.

Source:

Zimmerman SC, Ferguson EL, Choudhary V, Ranatunga DK, Oni-Orisan A, Hayes-Larson E, Folle AD, Mayeda ER, Whitmer RA, Gilsanz P, Power MC. Metformin cessation and dementia incidence. JAMA network open. 2023 Oct 2;6(10):e2339723-. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10600586/

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