Alzheimer’s disease is prevalent in our society, impacting the lives of millions of Americans each year. Much research has been conducted in efforts to detect its early stages, but one study may have found a link between Alzheimer’s disease and bone loss. The researchers found that alterations in the brains of individuals in the early stages of this progressive disease may affect bone health, which can be a biomarker for early detection.
This is one of the first studies indicating an approach to early diagnosis not involving examination of the patient’s brain. This study found major changes in the dorsal raphe nucleus, a region of the brain stem that produces most of the brain’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter controlling sleep and mood. These are two processes that are impacted during the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Reductions in bone mineral density result from deterioration of this area of the brain, so bone loss is an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease. Through this connection, measures can be taken to help individuals in the earlier stages before the onset of severe symptoms. Early bone loss, due to serotonin deficits, in those with Alzheimer’s disease may provide us with a path of diagnosis and treatment.
By meeting regularly with an orthopedic specialist, an assessment can be made on your bone health, thereby increasing the probability of early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. Most importantly, a connection between serotonin levels and bone loss to Alzheimer’s disease can be used to enable a therapeutic response, helping millions of individuals with early detection in hopes of the ending and limiting unnecessary suffering.
To learn more about the implication about this exciting new early detection method for Alzheimer’s disease, contact AOSMI or schedule an appointment to meet with our team of orthopedic specialists.
