GLP-1 receptor agonist research in neurodegenerative diseases surged post-2020, shifting to semaglutide and clinical efficacy

Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease represent a significant global health burden, with limited disease-modifying treatments. Current therapies often only manage symptoms, failing to halt or reverse progression. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), initially developed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, have shown promise in preclinical models of neurodegeneration due to their pleiotropic effects, including neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory actions, and modulation of mitochondrial function. This potential has driven a surge in research exploring their therapeutic utility beyond metabolic disorders, addressing a critical unmet need.

Researchers conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications on GLP-1RAs and neurodegenerative diseases. Data was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection for 2006-2025, including 1,202 English-language articles and reviews. Bibliometric tools Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace were used to analyze annual publication trends, country and institutional contributions, author collaborations, journal distribution, citation structures, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution. A Scopus-based sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of the findings, ensuring broad coverage of the research landscape.