New research presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) 2024 Annual Meeting reveals a concerning connection between poor bone and muscle health and increased mortality risk in older men. The study, led by Dr. Ben Kirk and colleagues, provides compelling evidence that the combination of low bone density and low muscle mass may synergistically affect mortality risk.
Key Findings
The prospective cohort study followed 1,353 men aged 77-101 for an average of 6.2 years. Using advanced imaging techniques and stable muscle isotopes, the researchers examined various bone and muscle quality measures. Some notable results include:
- 41.2% of participants (558 men) died during the follow-up period.
- Low bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip was significantly associated with higher mortality risk, but only in men with low muscle mass or volume.
- Similar patterns were observed when bone strength at distal limbs was examined.
- The interaction between bone and muscle quality on mortality risk was consistent across different anatomical sites and measurement techniques.
Implications for Older Adults
These findings highlight the critical importance of maintaining bone and muscle health as we age. Dr. Kirk and his team’s research suggests that the combination of poor bone quality and low muscle mass may create a “perfect storm” for increased mortality risk in older men.
Looking Ahead
This study opens up new avenues for research and potential interventions. Future studies may explore:
- Whether similar patterns exist in older women
- The underlying mechanisms driving this bone-muscle interaction
- Targeted interventions to simultaneously improve both bone and muscle health in older adults
As our population ages, understanding and addressing the complex interplay between bone and muscle health will be crucial for promoting longevity and quality of life in older adults.
The ASBMR 2024 Annual Meeting continues to showcase cutting-edge research in bone, mineral, and musculoskeletal health, providing valuable insights for clinicians and researchers alike.
Citations:
[1] https://www.asbmr.org/annual-meeting
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8940659/
[3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcsm.13418
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3970293/
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S8756328223000881
[6] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265420173_Bone-Muscle_Indices_as_Risk_Factors_for_Fractures_in_Men_The_Osteoporotic_Fractures_in_Men_MrOS_Study
