Osteoporosis and Aging

Osteoporosis in the Elderly

During the first 30 years of a person's life, the process of boneformation and bone loss ( bone resorption ) is continuous. But,at the approximate age of 30, things begin to change, and morebone if lost than is formed as a person gets older. Some reduction( bone resorption ) in bone mass density is normal. However, whenthe bone loss becomes severe, it is called osteoporosis.

People with osteoporosis are much more likely to suffer fracturesthat are unrelated to trauma. The cause of osteoporosis is stillunclear.

The Cause of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is often related to estrogen deficiency that is associated with menopause and reduced calcium intake. It is estimated that osteoporosis affects about 45 percent of all post-menopausal white women. According to a 1993 conference of the National Osteoporosis Foundation and others, osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone massand micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures.

Osteoporosis Facts

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat for 28 million Americans,80 percent of whom are women.

In the U.S. today, 10 million individuals already have osteoporosisand 18 million more have low bone mass, placing them at increasedrisk for osteoporosis.

One out of every two women, and one in eight men over 50 willhave an osteoporosis - related fracture in their lifetime.

More than two million American men suffer from osteoporosis andmillions more are at risk. Each year, 80,000 men suffer a hip fracturedue to osteoporosis, and one-third of these men die within a year.

About 1.5 million fractures a year can be attributed to osteoporosis,and more than 28 million Americans are considered to be at riskfor osteoporosis.

Nearly 200,000 women suffer hip fractures every year as a resultof osteoporosis. 20 percent of these women will die of complicationswithin the first year.

Risk Factors of Osteoporosis

The following risk factors can contribute to the development ofosteoporosis and bone loss.

Females have less bone mass, which is also affected by menopausal changes.
Caucasians are more susceptible to losing bone mass and developing osteoporosis.
Family history genetics may contribute to a person's susceptibility to osteoporosis.
People of smaller stature are more likely to experience a loss of bone mass and osteoporosis.
Low levels of weight bearing activity contribute to osteoporosis, especially for those who are bedfast or wheelchair bound.
Heavy cigarette smoking or alcohol use are other contributing factors to bone loss and osteoporosis.
Chronic conditions affecting the gastrointestinal, pulmonary, renal, hepatic and endocrine systems can contribute to bone loss and osteoporosis.
Chronic use of glucocorticoid medication, dilantin, certain antacids, cancer and thyroid hormones can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Osteoporosis and Bone Mass Loss

Unfortunately, osteoporosis typically is not detected until aperson loses 25 to 40 percent of their bone calcium. There areno obvious signs or symptoms of osteoporosis until the diseaseis advanced.

Following are some common symptoms of osteoporosis.

Loss of tooth support
Hyphosis, or developing a humped back, also known as "dowager's hump" or "widow's hump"
Loss of height
Acute and chronic back pain
A reduction in volume of the chest and abdominal cavities (these lead to difficulties with gastrointestinal and respiratory activity)

How to Prevent Osteoporosis

The following are ways to prevent or reduce the chances of developingosteoporosis:

Stop smoking.
Increase calcium intake.
Adjust body weight to within range for ideal body weight given bone structure.
Avoid alcohol.
Establish a 30 minute/day exercise routine to improve strength, endurance, circulation, and joint flexibility. Weight bearing exercise (like walking) is crucial.
Correct/treat underlying physiological problems.
Establish a bladder / management programto ensure safe toileting process (avoid falls).

Foods High in Calcium Help Fight Osteoporosis

You should consume foods high in calcium, such as the following,to help prevent osteoporosis:

Dark, green leafy vegetables
Dairy products, skim milk, yogurt, low fat cheese
Salmon
Tofu
Almonds

Important Vitamins and Minerals to Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption. Vitamin D, calderol, helps regulate serum calcium as it is necessary to facilitatecalcium absorption in the intestines.
Calcium carbonate pills are best absorbed with meals.
Fiber prevents calcium absorption to some extent.
Calcium carbonate supplements - caltrate, os-cal
Sodium Fluoride - an adjunct treatment in combination withcalcium and vitamin D.

Treatment of Osteoporosis

Most doctors recommend ERT, estrogen replacement therapy ( premarin) beginning at menopause and continuing indefinitely to help preventosteoporosis. There is no definite evidence that beginning ERTafter age 70 is beneficial in the prevention of osteoporosis. Therisk of breast cancer associated with ERT remains a subject ofdebate.

Drugs that aid in the treatment and management of osteoporosis:

Alendronate (fosamax) helps prevent bone resorption. This slowsthe progression of osteoporosis.

Calcitonin (miacalcin) is a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It is taken as a nasal spray. This hasbeen shown to increase spinal bone mass.

Commitment to the Health of Elderly Nursing Home Residents

Nursing home lawyer Jeffrey H. Rasansky is committed to improving the health and well being of nursing home residents. While osteoporosis occurs in elderly nursing home residents, the nursing home is responsible for proper care of patients suffering from osteoporosis. If you feel your loved one has suffered neglect, negligence or abandonment by the nursing home staff, contact an experienced nursing home lawyer at the Law Offices of Jeff Rasansky. We can help.

Jeff Rasansky is licensed to practice before all state courtsin Texas, the United States District Courts in the Northern andEastern Districts of Texas and the Fifth United States CircuitCourt of Appeals.

Click here to contact The Law Offices of Jeff Rasansky.