Up to 24%: The familiar drug linked to lower risk of Alzheimer's

A large-scale observational study in Hong Kong found a link between taking bisphosphonate drugs for osteoporosis and a reduced risk of up to 24% for developing dementia. The researchers emphasize that this is an observational study that does not prove causality, and that one should not start taking medications without a medical indication.

A large-scale observational study in Hong Kong, published in the journal 'Alzheimer’s & Dementia', found a link between taking nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate drugs and a reduced risk of developing dementia. The study followed 121,492 people aged 60 and over who were diagnosed with osteoporosis or suffered a significant fracture. It found that patients who took the drugs had a 16% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who received no treatment, and a 24% lower risk compared to patients who received other osteoporosis drugs. The drugs tested include alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate, and zoledronate. The researchers, led by Prof. Ching-Lung Cheung of the University of Hong Kong, note that the findings strengthen the 'bone-brain axis' concept. However, they emphasize that this is an observational study that does not prove causality, and that the study was conducted on a population of Chinese descent only, with no data on the participants' cognitive status at the outset. The researchers clarify that one should not start taking these medications without a proper indication, and that controlled clinical trials are needed.