The body signals: New study reveals what indicates cognitive decline

A Johns Hopkins University study found a link between low bone mineral density and signs of accelerated brain aging and reduced thinking abilities. The researchers stress that this is not a direct causal link, but rather shared metabolic factors. The study was published in the journal Radiology.

A new Johns Hopkins University study, published in the journal Radiology, found a link between low bone mineral density and signs of accelerated brain aging. The researchers examined data from 715 participants who underwent chest scans and tests of thinking and memory, and several years later underwent brain scans and further tests. Using a dedicated artificial intelligence algorithm, they measured bone mineral density from the CT scans. The analysis showed that low bone density was linked to damage in the structure of the brain's white matter, in areas connected to executive functions, working memory and attention, as well as to a faster rate of decline in thinking-test results over time. However, the researchers stress that this is not a cause-and-effect relationship, and radiologist Dr. Shadpour Demehri notes that the findings most likely reflect shared metabolic factors in the aging processes, such as insulin resistance and hormonal changes. Radiologist Dr. Sarah Mamtazmanesh explained that chest scans are currently performed routinely, and in the future analysis of bone density data may help in early detection of people at higher risk of cognitive decline. The researchers note that a longer study is needed to test whether these changes develop into diseases such as dementia.