Researchers at the University of Hong Kong found that older adults taking nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (NBPs), a common osteoporosis drug class, had a 16% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias compared with patients receiving no osteoporosis medication. The risk was 24% lower when NBP users were compared with patients taking other types of osteoporosis drugs.
The study analyzed electronic medical records from more than 120,000 patients aged 60 and older in Hong Kong between 2005 and 2020. All participants had osteoporosis or fragility fractures. The findings appeared in Alzheimer's & Dementia.
Alendronate and zoledronate, both NBPs, slow bone tissue breakdown to maintain bone strength and reduce fracture risk. Scientists have found evidence that biological processes influenced by these drugs may also be involved in Alzheimer's disease development, prompting investigation into potential brain benefits.
Women and patients with hip fractures showed particularly strong associations between NBP treatment and reduced dementia risk. The researchers estimated that treating 48 patients with NBPs over five years could potentially prevent one case of dementia.
Professor Cheung Ching-lung, Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at HKUMed, led the research. He stated that the findings "demonstrate a potential approach for reducing dementia risk in a vulnerable population using safe and widely available NBPs."
Because this is an observational study, it does not prove that the drugs directly prevent dementia. Further research is needed to determine whether NBPs can actually prevent or delay cognitive decline. However, the results suggest medications already prescribed for bone health may protect brain health as well.