Brain HealthOsteoporosis Drugs Tied to Up to 24% Lower Dementia Risk in 120,000 Older Adults
Drugs prescribed to strengthen bones may also help protect the aging brain. Researchers at the University of Hong Kong analyzed electronic medical records from more than 120,000 adults aged 60 and older with osteoporosis or fragility fractures. They found that those taking nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, such as alendronate and zoledronate, had up to a 24% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Osteoporosis and dementia often affect the same older adults and share risk factors like advanced age, female sex and low physical activity. Earlier work from the same team showed that osteoporosis and fractures independently raise dementia risk. Because these drugs are already approved, inexpensive and widely used, they are an attractive candidate for repurposing. The study is observational, so it shows an association rather than proof that the drugs prevent dementia. Clinical trials are needed before anyone takes these medications for brain protection alone.
