Lower bone density is associated with faster decline in cognitive function, and researchers speculate that both may be affected by common metabolic factors; the picture shows a situational photo. (Picture taken from freepik)
[Health Channel/Comprehensive Report] Low bone density not only worries about fractures, but may also be related to cognitive function degradation! Wayne, a food and agriculture expert, cited research that Johns Hopkins University tracked 715 people and found that people with lower bone density had faster changes in brain white matter and overall cognitive scores, and the relationship was more obvious in people with diabetes. The study does not prove that low bone density directly harms the brain, but speculates that the two may be affected by common metabolic factors.
Wayne shared in a Facebook post with the website that the subjects were from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) in the United States. The median age was 69 years old and none had cardiovascular disease. The research team used deep learning to calculate the bone density of the thoracic spine from chest CT, and then tracked changes in brain white matter and cognitive scores. People with lower bone density have faster degradation of white matter integrity in the forelimbs of the internal capsule, faster accumulation of white matter hyperintensities in the corpus callosum, and faster decline in overall cognitive scores. The relationship is more obvious in people with diabetes. Researchers believe that bone and brain degeneration together may be caused by the same metabolic factors.
The study explains that this study is not about cause and effect, but the observation of a metabolic syndrome that may cause both bone and brain degeneration. The simultaneous deterioration of bone and brain may reflect shared metabolic factors of aging, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and menopausal changes, rather than bone directly affecting the brain.
Wayne said that bone density is more like an indicator in this study. People with low bone density may also have metabolic problems that accelerate brain aging. This is not to say that bone density directly affects the brain, but researchers believe that metabolic problems such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and menopausal changes can damage both bones and the brain.
Wayne mentioned that the basic skills for maintaining bone density are weight-bearing exercise and key nutrients. These nutrients include:
●Calcium: Calcium is like the "cement" of bones. Responsible for strength and structure.
●Vitamin D: Helps absorb, maintain blood calcium, and regulate bone turnover.
●Vitamin K: activates osteocalcin and allows calcium to be "embedded" into bones.
●Magnesium: A metabolic partner of calcium, it also assists in the operation of vitamin D.
●Vitamin C: Helps collagen form an elastic network within bones, making bones not only hard but also tough.
●Omega-3 fatty acids: anti-inflammatory, promote bone formation, and inhibit bone loss.
What foods have a negative impact on bones? Wayne reminds you of high-sodium ultra-processed foods, sugary colas and drinks, excessive caffeine, and excessive alcohol.
At the same time, according to information from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, increasing bone density by 10% at a young age can delay the onset of osteoporosis by 13 years. It is recommended to consume more calcium, vitamin D, protein and other foods required for bone health, such as dairy products, high-calcium soy products, black sesame seeds and dark green vegetables. You can also bask in the sun in the early morning or evening. The body needs appropriate sun exposure to activate vitamin D and promote calcium absorption.
Health education materials also remind that if parents have had fractures, especially hip fractures, the individual's risk of osteoporosis will also increase. In addition, people who take steroid drugs, postmenopausal women, women who have had their ovaries removed, or early menopause before the age of 45, should pay attention to their own bone health to prevent their bones from becoming fragile.
