Bone Health and Cognitive Decline Interrelationships
Summary
Bone health and cognitive decline are interconnected through shared pathophysiological mechanisms affecting ageing populations. Structural and functional integrity of the skeleton influences neural function via endocrine, immune and vascular routes. Osteocalcin and sclerostin modulate neurotransmission, while systemic inflammation and calcium homeostasis link osteoporosis and neurodegeneration. Reciprocal effects occur as brain-derived factors regulate bone remodelling through autonomic and neuroendocrine pathways. Genetic studies reveal shared variants predisposing to low bone mineral density and regional brain atrophy. Clinical observations show that diminished bone density and elevated fracture risk correlate with accelerated cognitive decline, emphasising the global health impact of a combined skeletal and neural approach. Translational research explores bone-derived mediators in cerebrovascular integrity, while neurodegenerative proteins alter osteoblast and osteoclast function. Unravelling these bidirectional influences offers novel therapeutic avenues and underscores the importance of integrated management of skeletal and cognitive health in older adults.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Bone Health and Cognitive Decline Interrelationships publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in bone health and cognitive decline interrelationships across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Bone mineral density (BMD): Measurement of mineral content per unit volume of bone reflecting skeletal strength.
Mendelian randomisation: Epidemiological method using genetic variants as proxies for causal inference between exposure and outcome.
Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB): Dimeric growth factor secreted by preosteoclasts that modulates vascular and bone cell behaviour.
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC): Multipotent progenitor cell capable of differentiating into osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes.
Osteogenic differentiation: Process by which progenitor cells acquire bone-forming phenotype under signalling cues.
References
- Causal associations of brain structure with bone mineral density: a large-scale genetic correlation study. Bone Research (2023).
- Bone-derived PDGF-BB drives brain vascular calcification in male mice. Journal of Clinical Investigation (2023).
- The bidirectional effects of APPswe on the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in bone homeostasis by regulating Notch signaling. Genes & Diseases (2024).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.