Lower Spinal Bone Density May Flag People at Risk for Cognitive Decline
Researchers found lower spinal bone density was tied to faster cognitive decline and white matter injury, with 715 participants analyzed in the Johns Hopkins study.
- On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, researchers at Johns Hopkins University published a study in the journal Radiology linking lower thoracic spinal bone density to faster cognitive decline and brain aging.
- Using a deep learning algorithm, a team led by Dr. Sara Momtazmanesh analyzed chest CT scans and brain MRIs from 715 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.
- Participants in the lowest quarter of bone density showed a 0.3 percent faster decline in global cognitive scores, with structural damage localized to the corpus callosum and anterior limb of the internal capsule.
- Senior author Dr. Shadpour Demehri, professor of radiology, stated that AI can "synthesize at scale across multiple organ systems" to interconnect age-related pathologies and identify shared biological pathways.
- While researchers cautioned the study does not prove osteoporosis causes dementia, Dr. Deborah Kado of Stanford University noted the connection appeared strongest in patients with diabetes, warranting further investigation.
19 Articles
19 Articles
A long-term examination shows that a low bone density is associated with faster mental degradation. What is behind it?
Findings do not show that osteoporosis causes dementia, experts emphasize - Targeting metabolic syndrome that can cause both bone and brain degeneration
Lower Bone Density Associated With Cognitive Decline and Age-Related Brain Damage: Study
Lower bone mineral density in the spine may be associated with faster cognitive decline and worsening age-related changes in the brain's white matter, according to a new study published in Radiology. ...
Is Bone Loss Linked to Dementia? New Study Offers Clues
Less Bone Density Associated With Lower Cognitive Performance The cognitive testing for the study assessed overall thinking ability, covering factors such as memory, language, attention, and the speed at which someone can process information under time pressure. Those in the lowest quarter of bone density were linked to a 0.3 percent faster decline in their global cognitive score compared with those in the highest quarter bone density group, acc…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
