The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) released a report that states 25 percent of all American women
aged
65 years or older suffer from osteoporosis. They found that in men over 65 years, it is
closer to 6 percent. Since anyone with
osteoporosis is more at risk for dangerous fractures, it is important for
seniors to be aware of whether they suffer from the condition.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, “Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” Healthy bones
look like a honeycomb when viewed under a microscope, but for those with
osteoporosis, the holes and spaces in the honeycombs are much larger and the
abnormal porous bone is compressible or sponge-like. As the bones lose density or mass and are
made up of more abnormal tissue structure, the bones become less dense, weaken and
more likely to break.
Healthy, strong bone is composed of
protein, collagen and calcium. Osteopenia is the term used when a person’s
bones are slightly less dense than normal bones but are not considered as
severely compromised as those with osteoporosis.
Thankfully it is easy to evaluate a
person’s risk of fracture with a painless X-ray absorptiometry test (also
called DXA or DEXA). The noninvasive test
measures the bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine, hip or total body bone
density and only takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
Health care professionals recommend a
bone mineral density test for all postmenopausal women with risk factors and
all women 65 or older. Men should be
tested at age 70 or at age 50-69 based on risk factors. The test lets you and your doctor know if you
have normal bone density, low bone density (osteopenia) or osteoporosis, and if
there appears to be a problem, what steps to take to help prevent broken bones
in the future. If you are taking
osteoporosis medications, professionals advise having a bone density test by
central DXA annually or once every two years to determine if your medication is
working.
This post is intended for
informational purposes only; please consult your health care provider regarding
any medical concerns.
The unique mission statement of MorningStar of Sparks, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us
apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon
honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling
to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage
you to see for yourself our exceptional offering for independent and assisted
living in Reno, NV.
Sources:
webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20150813/1-in-4-senior-women-in-us-has-osteoporosis-cdc
nof.org/patients/what-is-osteoporosis/
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