Work

Bone health in Parkinson’s disease: a comprehensive review of bone involvement and its pathophysiological mechanisms

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a frequent neurodegenerative disorder that combines motor and non-motor features, including impaired balance, gait disturbances, and progressive loss of mobility. Bone involvement is well established, with low bone mass and elevated fracture risk- especially hip fractures- being common findings. Because of impaired balance, gait disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, and autonomic failure, individuals with PD experience a markedly elevated risk of falls. Osteoporosis in PD likely results from a convergence of nutritional deficiencies, vitamin D insufficiency, weight loss with sarcopenia, and progressive muscle weakness. Anti-Parkinson medications such as levodopa may also contribute through hyperhomocysteinemia. In addition, dopamine depletion and chronic inflammation may further disrupt bone remodeling. This review summarizes current evidence on bone mineral density, bone quality, falls, and fractures in PD and discusses the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this comorbidity.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1737844

Authors: Eric Toussirot, Charline Compagne, Charline Vauchy, Matthieu Bereau

Institutions: Inserm, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besançon, Université Marie et Louis Pasteur

Language: English

Topic: Bone health and osteoporosis research

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801