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A common class of drugs used to treat osteoporosis may help lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. According to Science Daily, researchers at the University of Hong Kong examined electronic medical records from more than 120,000 older adults aged 60 and older. The study analyzed patient data collected from 2005 through 2020 to investigate how osteoporosis treatments relate to dementia risk over time.

The medications in question are known as nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, or NBPs, which are widely prescribed to prevent bone loss and fractures. Alendronate and zoledronate are among the most commonly prescribed treatments in this drug class, and they work by slowing the breakdown of bone tissue. Science Daily reported that patients taking NBPs showed a 16% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias compared to patients receiving no osteoporosis medication.

When NBP users were compared directly with patients taking other types of osteoporosis drugs, the dementia risk was 24% lower among those receiving NBPs. Women and patients who had experienced hip fractures showed particularly strong associations between NBP treatment and reduced dementia risk. Furthermore, researchers estimated that treating 48 patients with NBPs over five years could potentially prevent one case of dementia.

More than 55 million people worldwide currently live with dementia, and the World Health Organization has identified the condition as a major global health priority. That total is projected to climb to 139 million by 2050, presenting significant challenges due to the high costs and limited suitability of newly approved disease-slowing medications. Because osteoporosis and dementia often affect the same older adults and share risk factors like older age, being female, and low physical activity, finding affordable preventive options is increasingly vital.

Because the findings come from an observational study, Science Daily noted that they do not establish that the drugs themselves prevent dementia. Professor Cheung Ching-lung, Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at HKUMed, stated that the study provides evidence that NBPs may offer dual benefits in strengthening bones and reducing fracture risk while potentially preventing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Professor Cheung further noted that their potential neuroprotective role supports future research on actual effectiveness in preventing or delaying cognitive decline.

The research was led by Professor Cheung Ching-lung, with Dr. Sing Chor-wing serving as the study's first author. Additional researchers involved in the work include Professor Chan Koon-ho, Dr. Patrick Chiu Ka-chun, and Professor Kathryn Tan Choon-beng from the Department of Medicine in the School of Clinical Medicine at HKUMed. Further studies will be necessary to determine whether these widely available medications can directly prevent or delay cognitive decline.