Commonly used osteoporosis drugs were linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia in a large study of older adults.

Among a group of 121,492 adults age 60 or older, the use of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (NBP) was associated with a 16% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias compared to those who did not take osteoporosis medications.

The risk was 24% less compared to people taking other types of osteoporosis medications.

A nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate is a type of medication used to slow bone loss and reduce fracture risk, mainly in people with osteoporosis. Some common types include alendronate, ibandronate, risedronate and zoledronate.

Osteoporosis occurs when the bones become weaker and more likely to break due to a loss of bone mass, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). The condition is especially common among older adults. (Read more from “Common Drug Millions Already Take Could Slash Dementia Chances, Study Suggests” HERE)