New Scientific Finding: Lower Bone Density Linked to Faster Brain Aging
A study of 715 people has found that low bone density in the spine is associated with signs of faster brain aging and a decline in cognitive abilities.
In a new study, Johns Hopkins University researchers found that lower bone mineral density in the spine is associated with signs of faster brain aging and greater decline in cognitive abilities. These signs include structural changes in the brain's white matter and increased lesions visible on brain scans.
According to Zomit, citing ScienceAlert, the researchers examined the data of 715 people and, using artificial intelligence, extracted the mineral density of the spine bones from the CT scan images of the chest and then measured its relationship with brain changes and cognitive performance of people over time.
Correlation of low bone density with faster brain aging
Participant data were previously collected as part of a long-term health research project. In addition to chest CT scan, the participants also passed thinking and memory tests. A few years later, they underwent brain imaging and other cognitive tests.
To measure bone mineral density in chest CT scan images, researchers used an artificial intelligence-based algorithm that was specially developed for this task. Bone mineral density (BMD) shows the amount of minerals, including calcium, in the bone. Depletion of these substances can make bones weaker and more likely to break.
Researchers investigated the relationship between bone density and two imaging indices associated with brain injury. The first indicator was white matter waste. These lesions are seen in brain images in the form of bright areas and can be a sign of brain tissue damage. The results showed that in some areas of the brain, the lower density of bone minerals is related to the increase of these lesions.
The second indicator was the inconsistency of the lack of white matter; A measure that provides information about the structure of the brain's white matter. Lower bone density was associated with the values of this index in other parts of the brain, which, according to the researchers, could indicate a weakness in the white matter structure.
Researchers found that lower bone mineral density was associated with faster decline in people's scores on cognitive tests. This finding shows that the state of the bones may also provide researchers with information about cognitive changes associated with aging.
The researchers emphasize that the findings of the study are not enough to draw conclusions about cause and effect. In other words, based on these results, it cannot be said that bone density reduction directly causes brain damage or loss of cognitive abilities.
One of the possible applications of these findings is to identify people who may be at greater risk for cognitive decline and related diseases. In this approach, measuring bone density can be considered as one of the possible signs of risk.
The findings of this research have been published in the Journal of Radiology.