Do bisphosphonates prevent fractures in elderly patients with stroke and Parkinson’s disease?

This study investigated the effectiveness of bisphosphonates (BPT) to prevent hip fractures in elderly patients with stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers suggested that BPTs reduced the risk of fracture in these patients.

The risk of fracture is high in elderly patients with stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Both diseases can affect the normal movement and function of the body. Therefore, these patients are more at risk of falling which is associated with impaired movements and increased mortality.

Therapies such as BPTs improve bone health in elderly patients. BPTs work by binding to the surface of the bones and prevent the body from breaking down bone. This help to preserve bone density. Prior studies showed that BPTs reduced the risk of hip fracture in patients with neurological conditions. However, there are no large reports about how BPTs prevent falls, hip fracture, and improve bone health in patients with stroke or Parkinson disease.

This study reviewed 8 other studies including patients with stroke or Parkinson’s disease. Patients were treated with BPT drugs such as etidronate, alendronate or risedronate or placebo. The risks of falling and of hip fracture and general bone health were evaluated.

The risk for hip fracture was 80% lower with BPT treatment compared to placebo in patients with stroke. This risk was 74% lower in the BPTs group compared to placebo in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Furthermore, the overall bone health of these patients increased after BPT treatment. No severe side effects were associated with BPT treatment.

This study concluded that BPT treatment reduces the risk of hip fracture and improves bone health in patients with stroke or Parkinson’s disease.

All studies included in this analysis were performed only in Japanese patients. More studies are necessary with patients from a more diverse background.

If you have concerns about bone health, discuss this with your doctor.