4.1 General information
In the field of comorbidity research between osteoporosis and cognitive impairment, there is a rising trend in the number of research publications, and researchers' attention to this area continues to increase. The research hotpots exhibit diverse characteristics. This can be attributed to two main reasons. Firstly, in the context of global aging, osteoporosis and cognitive impairment are common diseases among the elderly (12–14). Scholars easily recognize the potential correlation between osteoporosis and cognitive impairment, epidemiological investigations and laboratory studies are employed to explore the comorbidity rates and mechanisms of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment (15–17). Secondly, interventional studies indicate that comorbidity management of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment can yield economic and social benefits, such as reducing medical expenses, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, raising public awareness of health, and driving the formulation of relevant policies (18–20). However, in the academic community, a unified management strategy has not yet been established. Consequently, an increasing number of scholars are eager to explore more effective approaches in this regard.
4.2 Research Focus and Frontier
4.2.1 Bone Mineral Density
Bone Mineral Density (BMD) serves as a crucial outcome indicator in research related to the comorbidity of osteoporosis and cognitive function (21). Studies have clearly identified measures to improve bone density, including pharmaceutical treatments such as alendronate sodium, zoledronic acid, and denosumab (22–25). Additionally, calcium supplementation and vitamin D can be achieved through medication, consuming calcium-rich foods, or sun exposure to facilitate the synthesis of vitamin D (26). Protein supplementation is also essential, as it promotes bone growth, insufficient protein intake can lead to decreased bone density and quality in the elderly (27). Furthermore, engaging in regular physical exercise can increase bone density, enhance physical activity, and protect the skeletal, joint, and muscular systems (28). In summary, improving bone density requires considering various factors, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits. Although the effectiveness of these habits in enhancing bone density is well established, integrating these health practices into everyday life remains challenging for both diseased and non-diseased populations (29). Therefore, we hope to raise public awareness of health and early screening for osteoporosis and cognitive impairment.
4.2.2 Elderly Population
The elderly population has become a prominent research hotpot in the comorbidity management of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment due to the high prevalence of these two diseases in older adults and their mutual influence (30). Osteoporosis and cognitive impairment are common ailments among the elderly, significantly affecting their quality of life (31). And there is a reciprocal relationship between osteoporosis and cognitive impairment, when both conditions coexist, the outcomes tend to worsen (32). Osteoporosis can lead to fractures, necessitating bed rest, which may exacerbate cognitive impairment symptoms, such as brain atrophy and cognitive decline, due to prolonged immobility (33). On the other hand, individuals with cognitive impairment may be unable to protect themselves effectively due to decreased memory and concentration, resulting in a higher risk of falls (34).
4.2.3 Postmenopausal Women
After menopause, women experience a decline in estrogen levels, leading to reduced bone mass and cognitive function (35). Estrogen plays a protective role in both the skeletal and nervous systems (36). Consequently, postmenopausal women are more prone to osteoporosis and cognitive impairment (37), requiring increased attention and research efforts. Comorbidity management of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment in postmenopausal women can enhance their physical condition and cognitive abilities, improve their quality of life, and reduce healthcare costs and societal burdens (38). Therefore, postmenopausal women have become a key research hotpot in the comorbidity management of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment. Researchers should explore more effective management and treatment methods, providing better healthcare services for this population.
4.2.4 Breast Cancer
The comorbidity research concerning osteoporosis and cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients has garnered significant attention (39). Breast cancer patients undergo treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can impact the skeletal and nervous systems, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment (40). Additionally, surgical procedures and radiotherapy may lead to decreased physical condition and malnutrition, further exacerbating the occurrence of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment (41). Finally, osteoporosis and cognitive impairment have a significant impact on the quality of life and prognosis of breast cancer patients. Osteoporosis may result in complications such as fractures, affecting daily life abilities and quality of life. Cognitive impairment may hinder patients from receiving proper breast cancer treatment and rehabilitation training, affecting their prognosis and survival period. Therefore, comorbidity management of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment in breast cancer patients is expected to improve their quality of life and prognosis.
4.2.5 Mortality Rate
Clearly, for any elderly individual, acquiring an additional disease will undoubtedly increase the risk of mortality (42). However, when osteoporosis and cognitive impairment coexist, the harm caused is greater than the sum of its parts (43). From the perspective of disease progression, osteoporosis increases the risk of cognitive impairment in the elderly because of the connection between skeletal health and brain health (44). Conversely, cognitive impairment further exacerbates the progression of osteoporosis due to the higher risk of fractures and accidents among patients with cognitive impairment (45). In terms of the consequences of diseases, osteoporotic fractures, such as hip fractures, in elderly individuals may lead to severe health issues such as pain, loss of mobility, and decreased independence (46). Cognitive impairment may cause memory loss, confusion, weakened judgment, which could affect the elderly's daily life abilities, making them more susceptible to accidents or fractures (47). For elderly individuals with both osteoporosis and cognitive impairment, a single accident often becomes the last fall in their lives.
4.2.6 Hormone Replacement Therapy
For postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, hormone replacement therapy, by supplementing estrogen or testosterone, can increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures (48). Similarly, hormone replacement therapy for male osteoporotic patients, through testosterone supplementation, can increase bone density and alleviate symptoms such as pain (49). Hormone replacement therapy can also improve symptoms of cognitive impairment (50). Study suggest that hormone replacement therapy can enhance cognitive function in elderly women, including memory, attention, and executive functions (51). These improvements might be related to the protective effects of hormone replacement therapy on brain neurons (52). Hormone replacement therapy has become a research hotpot in the comorbidity management of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment due to its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of both conditions, improving patients' quality of life, and reducing the risk of fractures.
4.2.7 Quality of Life
Quality of life is the ultimate destination of all medical research, and both osteoporosis and cognitive impairment lead to a decline in patients' quality of life (53). Osteoporosis can cause pain, fractures, and other health issues, affecting patients' daily life and mobility (54). Cognitive impairment may result in memory loss, slow thinking, and other neuropsychiatric symptoms, affecting patients' social skills, self-management, and quality of life (55). Comorbidity management of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment holds crucial significance in improving patients' quality of life. Lastly, evaluating the quality of life serves as a vital indicator for assessing the effectiveness of treatments and we can understand the effectiveness of interventions and patients' satisfaction, providing references for further optimizing treatment plans (56).
4.3 Strengths and Limitations
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study utilizing CiteSpace for bibliometric analysis and visualization, presenting the hotspots, frontiers, as well as cooperation between authors, institutions, and countries in research related to the comorbidity of osteoporosis and cognitive impairment. However, there are still some limitations. We only analyzed English literature from WoS, potentially leading to the risk of not comprehensively incorporating all relevant studies. Additionally, there might be overlaps between clusters due to synonymous terms in the keywords.