Approved Research

Uncovering the interplay between musculoskeletal diseases and cardiometabolic and cognitive health

Lay summary

Musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, play an important role in cardiometabolic and cognitive health. These diseases are highly prevalent, especially in middle-aged and older adults, and they also share risk factors, such as chronic inflammation, physical inactivity, and metabolic imbalances. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests a link between musculoskeletal diseases and cognitive decline, potentially due to shared risk factors and biological processes. Understanding these associations is crucial for developing comprehensive approaches to prevention, early intervention, and integrated care, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals affected by musculoskeletal diseases and their associated cardiometabolic and cognitive health implications. This project will reveal the associations between these diseases and to identify shared risk factors for them. The anticipated duration of this project will be 36 months. The findings of this study will offer valuable insights into the natural history, correlation, prevention, and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, cardiometabolic conditions, and cognitive health. These insights will benefit not only patients directly affected by these diseases but also healthcare providers and the general population.