Summary of New Study Links Low Bone Density to an Increased Risk of Dementia:
A study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that individuals with low bone density may have a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with high bone density. The study establishes an association, but not causation, between the two conditions. The study involved 3,651 participants in the Netherlands aged over 70 who did not have dementia at the beginning of the study. The individuals with the lowest total body bone density were found to be 42% more likely to develop dementia after 10 years than those with the highest bone density. The study suggests that bone loss could be an indicator of risk for dementia.
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Study Finds Possible Link Between Low Bone Density and Dementia
A new study published in the medical journal Neurology suggests a potential link between low bone density and a greater risk of developing dementia. While the study only establishes an association and does not prove causation, it may provide important clues for further research into dementia prevention and treatment.
The Study
The study involved 3,651 participants aged 72 or older who did not have dementia at the beginning of the study and who resided in the Netherlands. Over an average of 11 years, 688 people, or 19%, developed dementia. Researchers used X-rays to identify bone density and conducted physical tests such as bone scans to assess the participants’ bone health.
Key Findings
Of the 1,211 participants with the lowest total body bone density, 90 developed dementia within 10 years of the study. By contrast, only 57 of the 1,211 participants with the highest bone density developed dementia in the same period.
After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, education, other illnesses and medication use, and a family history of dementia, researchers found that people with the lowest total body bone density were 42% more likely to develop dementia within 10 years than people in the highest bone density group.
However, the study has limitations. For example, the participants were primarily of European origin and aged 70 or older at the start of the study. As such, these findings may differ in different races, ethnicities, and younger age groups.
Further, Research Needed
While the study provides useful preliminary findings, more research is needed to understand the relationship between bone density and dementia fully. Dr. Mohammad Arfan Ikram, the study’s author, emphasized that further studies are required to better understand the connection between bone density and memory loss and investigate whether bone loss could indicate dementia risk.
Future Implications
If confirmed in future research, the study’s findings could have significant implications for dementia prevention and treatment. For example, bone density tests could provide an early warning for dementia risk. Additionally, lifestyle measures promoting good bone health, such as adequate exercise and nutrition, could be essential for preventing dementia.
In Conclusion
The study provides valuable insights into a possible relationship between low bone density and dementia. While the study has limitations, its findings suggest that more research should explore the underlying connection between bones and cognitive function.
Over time, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for dementia or new means of screening for the disease. Until then, lifestyle measures that support bone health could offer a means of improving overall health and potentially lowering dementia risk.
