Osteoporosis Drugs May Lower Dementia Risk, Study Finds

Commonly used medications to strengthen bones may too reduce the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong.

Study Details and Findings

The research, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, analyzed the medical data of over 120,000 individuals aged 60 and older who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis or fragility fractures between 2005 and 2020. Researchers compared health outcomes of patients receiving nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (NBPs) – a widely used class of osteoporosis drugs – with those who received no treatment and those prescribed other osteoporosis medications.

The study revealed that patients taking NBPs had a 16% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not receive treatment. When compared to patients taking other osteoporosis drugs, the risk reduction was even more pronounced, reaching 24%.

Who Benefits Most?

The protective effect of NBPs was most noticeable in women and in patients who had experienced a hip fracture. Researchers estimate that for every 48 people treated with NBPs for five years, one case of dementia could potentially be prevented.

The Link Between Osteoporosis and Dementia

The researchers highlighted the frequent co-occurrence of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment in older adults, suggesting shared risk factors such as advanced age and reduced physical activity. Previous research from the same team has confirmed that both osteoporosis and fractures are independent risk factors for dementia, and that individuals with dementia are at a higher risk of falls and fractures.

Implications and Future Research

This research suggests a potential avenue for preventing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), offering a potentially affordable approach to address the growing global burden of these conditions, which is projected to reach 139 million cases by 2050. The World Health Organization has identified dementia as a critical health priority.

While recent approvals of disease-modifying drugs for ADRD offer hope, concerns remain regarding their cost and accessibility. Repurposing existing medications like NBPs could provide a more efficient and cost-effective strategy.

Key Takeaways

• Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (NBPs) may reduce the risk of dementia in older adults with osteoporosis or fragility fractures.
• The risk reduction was 16% compared to no treatment and 24% compared to other osteoporosis medications.
• Women and those with a history of hip fracture appear to benefit most.
• This research highlights the potential for repurposing existing drugs to prevent dementia.