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When we think about healthy aging, strong bones are usually associated with preventing fractures and staying active. But there may be another reason to pay attention to bone health. A study has found that over time, participants with lower spinal bone density showed more noticeable changes in both cognitive function and white matter in the brain.
Our bones contain minerals such as calcium that help keep them strong. When the mineral content of bone decreases, bones can become weaker and more susceptible to fractures. However, there has been limited research into whether lower bone density may also be associated with changes in brain function.
The researchers looked at data from a large U.S. study that has been following adults over time. As part of the study, over 700 participants were selected to have CT chest scans, MRI scans of the brain and testing of their cognitive abilities. Researchers used this information to determine bone density in the spine and examine whether it was related to brain health and cognitive function.
Those who had lower bone density in their spine at the start of the study experienced greater changes in cognitive function over time. There were also more white matter changes in the regions of the brain that play important roles in memory, decision-making, and attention.
The brain’s white matter contains nerve fibers that connect different regions and help them communicate. Although some changes in white matter are expected with age, more extensive abnormalities have been associated with declines in cognitive function and a greater risk of dementia.
The findings do not prove that osteoporosis causes dementia. Instead, they suggest that bone health and brain health may be connected. The researchers noted that the study cannot determine whether one causes the other and suggested that a shared metabolic process could play a role in changes affecting both bone and brain health.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Deep Learning–derived Bone Mineral Density and Longitudinal White Matter Microstructure and Cognitive Decline: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
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