Researchers in Hong Kong have reported a striking association between the use of nitrogen‑containing bisphosphonates (NBPs) – the most common osteoporosis medications such as alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate and zoledronate – and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias among seniors.
Key findings from the study
The observational study examined 121,492 adults aged 60 or older who had recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis or had suffered a serious fracture of the spine, humerus, wrist, or hip. None of the participants had taken osteoporosis medication before the study period.
Compared with those who did not receive any osteoporosis treatment, patients who were prescribed NBPs experienced a 16% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. When the NBP group was compared to patients taking other types of osteoporosis drugs, the risk reduction was even larger – 24%.
What the researchers say
“Emerging evidence points to a bone‑brain axis, suggesting a close link between bone and brain health,” said study author Dr. Ching‑Lung Cheung, associate professor of pharmacology at the University of Hong Kong’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine. “Our previous studies and those of others have found that people with low bone mass or osteoporosis are more likely to develop dementia later in life. This highlights the importance of maintaining good bone health, which may also help reduce the risk of dementia.”
Dr. Cheung cautioned that the findings do not prove that bisphosphonate use directly prevents dementia. “Our findings therefore do not prove that bisphosphonate use reduces dementia risk; this needs confirmation in a clinical trial,” he added.
Study limitations
The authors noted several limitations. The study population was exclusively Chinese, raising questions about whether the results apply to other ethnic groups. Baseline cognitive testing was unavailable, meaning some participants may have already had early cognitive impairment before starting osteoporosis treatment.
Additional data gaps included the severity of participants’ osteoporosis, details about bone fractures, and use of over‑the‑counter calcium and vitamin D supplements. External factors such as education level, social isolation, air pollution, and vision loss could also influence dementia risk.
Implications for patients and clinicians
While the results are promising, the researchers stress that they do not yet justify prescribing bisphosphonates solely to prevent or treat Alzheimer’s disease. “The next step is to confirm our observational findings in a clinical trial,” Dr. Cheung said. “If the benefit is demonstrated, it could have important implications for dementia management. We hope these findings encourage patients and healthcare professionals to weigh the overall benefits and risks and use appropriate treatment when indicated.”
For seniors and families concerned about both bone health and cognitive decline, the study underscores the value of discussing osteoporosis treatment options with a trusted medical provider, especially when other risk factors for dementia are present.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
