Thiazide diuretics cut risk of fractures in Alzheimer's patients

The use of thiazide diuretics was associated with a decreased risk of low energy fractures in people with Alzheimer’s disease, a new study from the University of Eastern Finland shows.

The association was found in long-term use exceeding three years; however, shorter term use did not reduce the risk of fractures. Thiazides are typically prescribed to treat hypertension. The results were published in Osteoporosis International.

Hip fracture was the most common low energy fracture in the study population, and the risk of this fracture type decreased by 30% in long-term thiazide use. The association may be related to the fact that thiazides decrease urinary calcium excretion and increase bone mineral density, which may decrease the risk of fracture in case of a fall. Persons with Alzheimer’s disease have an increased risk of falling, as the disease leads to problems in balance and spatial orientation.