Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a bone disease where bone density and strength is reduced over time, making bones more fragile and prone to fractures. This often affects older populations, especially postmenopausal women, due to declining estrogen levels and calcium absorption.
Some key facts about osteoporosis:
- It develops slowly and often without symptoms until a fracture occurs
- It causes 1.5 million fractures annually in the U.S. alone
- Common fracture sites include the wrist, hip and spine
- Risk factors include being female, advanced age, family history, smoking, low calcium intake, and lack of exercise
A few key terms related to osteoporosis:
- Bone mineral density (BMD) - Measurement of bone strength and mineral content using a specialized X-ray scan
- Peak bone mass - Maximum bone density and strength, typically reached around age 30
- Bone remodeling - The continuous bone breakdown and rebuilding process to remove old bone and form new bone tissue
Some ways to help prevent and treat osteoporosis include:
- Getting adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D
- Performing weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol intake
- Taking bone-strengthening medications like bisphosphonates if at high risk
Early screening and detection of declining BMD is important, especially for high-risk individuals over age 65. Diagnostic tests like DXA scans can precisely measure bone density.
While osteoporosis cannot be cured, proper treatment and lifestyle changes can help slow bone loss, strengthen bones, improve quality of life and reduce fracture risks. Maintaining a balanced diet with nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and protein helps support ongoing bone rebuilding as we age.
I hope this overview on osteoporosis gives some helpful information on this common age-related bone disease! Let me know if you have any other questions.