How acetylcholinesterase inhibitors affect bone health in older adults with Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Effect of Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors on Bone Metabolism and Fracture Risk Factors among older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10916432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common Alzheimer's medication might help older adults with mild to moderate dementia by possibly reducing their risk of bone fractures, and we're inviting people over 50 to join us in finding out if it really makes a difference.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $199,191 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG078982-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults over 50 years old who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under 50 years old or those with severe Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AchEIs) on bone metabolism and fracture risk in older adults suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study aims to understand how these medications might reduce the risk of fractures by examining their effects on bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, and overall bone quality. Participants aged over 50 will be recruited and randomly assigned to receive either the medication donepezil or a placebo, allowing researchers to compare outcomes effectively. The findings could lead to improved fracture prevention strategies for this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of fractures and improve overall health outcomes for older adults with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can reduce fracture risk, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Richard Hsang-Yang — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Richard Hsang-Yang
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
P-CARRS-BRAIN: Predicting Alzheimer’s risk in South Asians in India using genetic, behavior, and vascular data
Aims to predict Alzheimer’s disease risk in middle-aged South Asians by combining genetic, lifestyle, and vascular information to catch early changes before dementia develops.
-
P-CARRS-BRAIN: Predicting Alzheimer’s risk in South Asians in India using genetics, behavior, and vascular data
Aimed at people 21 and older, this project looks at how biology, behavior, and blood vessel health together may signal the early risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in South Asians.
-
Sex-specific blood biomarkers predict dementia risk in older adults
This NIH project tests how blood biomarkers and sex differences predict future dementia in older people, with the goal of personalized prognosis and prevention.
-
How sleep and body temperature affect Alzheimer's risk in adults with Down syndrome
Researchers will follow adults with Down syndrome over several years to learn whether sleep problems and lower body temperature are linked to earlier Alzheimer's changes.
-
Sleep and body temperature changes linked to Alzheimer’s risk in adults with Down syndrome
This project looks at whether sleep problems and lower body temperature in adults with Down syndrome are linked to higher chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Sex-specific blood biomarkers to predict Alzheimer's and related dementias
This project aims to use blood biomarkers to predict risk of Alzheimer's-related conditions in older adults, with attention to how sex differences may change risk.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.