Cognitive decline ups fracture risk in older women, study shows
Although no causal link has been established, researchers say findings highlight the importance of monitoring cognitive function and bone loss in the elderly
Older women who experience significant cognitive decline in the absence of dementia may have a 60% greater risk of fractures, an Australian-led study suggests.
The findings, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, also suggest that each percentage decline in cognitive function is linked to 6.5% reduction in BMD.
Although the researchers were unable to establish a causal link between cognitive decline and fracture risk, they said the study underlined the importance of monitoring both in older adults.
The team analysed data from a subset of 1741 women and 620 men from the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study, which documented skeletal health in people living in the community.
