Parkinson’s disease increases risk of osteoporosis, says new research

Parkinson’s disease and osteoporosis are both chronic diseases associated with increasing age but it seems they have a more intricate relationship than previously thought.

An analysis of 23 studies that is published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry reveals that people with Parkinson’s disease – particularly women – are at higher risk of osteoporosis than healthy controls.

This could be because of general effects of Parkinson’s disease, such as postural instability. But the analysis also showed that people with Parkinson’s disease have a lower bone mineral density so are at increased risk of fracture and osteoarthritis.

More research is now needed to help understand the link between the conditions.

To read the original study, click here.