Age-related osteoporosis is caused by a decrease in the body’s ability to produce and absorb vitamin D and calcium, leading to the loss of hard and spongy bone. Treatment involves supplementing with vitamin D and calcium, and reducing the risk of falls. Regular exercise, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of developing this hereditary disease.
Age-related osteoporosis is one of the two main types of osteoporosis. This disease is characterized by the loss of the body’s ability to produce vitamin D and the body’s inability to absorb calcium, leading to the loss of both hard and spongy bone. Typically diagnosed through a bond density scan, treatment for this form of osteoporosis is to supplement the body with vitamin D and calcium. The chances of developing this type of osteoporosis can be reduced by not smoking, limiting alcohol use and getting regular exercise.
There are two main types of osteoporosis; type I, known as postmenopausal osteoporosis, and type II, known as senile osteoporosis. In the case of senile osteoporosis, the word “senile” refers to old age or to a form of osteoporosis that appears in old age, around the age of 70. Type II osteoporosis involves the decay of both hard bone, called cortical bone, and spongy bone, or trabecular bone.
This condition is caused by the decrease in the body’s production and absorption of vitamin D and calcium with age. Very late in life, usually after age 70, the body’s kidneys fail to produce vitamin D. The reduced concentration of vitamin D in the body limits the amount of calcium that can be absorbed. Low levels of calcium cause parathyroid hormone to signal the body to break down bone to compensate for the calcium deficiency. The result is the gradual erosion of hard and spongy bone, increasing the risk of bone fractures.
Type II osteoporosis is typically not seen until a patient breaks a bone. When a family history of age-related osteoporosis is known, a doctor may order annual bone density scans to monitor bone loss. Ultrasounds or quantitative computed tomography scans can also identify depleted bone density.
Treatment for this geriatric syndrome is to increase vitamin D and calcium supplementation to compensate for the lack of these two components. Supplementation modulates parathyroid hormone release and saves bone. Patients with age-related osteoporosis are also advised to reduce the risk of falls by wearing flat, well-fitting shoes, using handrails on stairs, and clearing the home of clutter that causes falls.
Age-related osteoporosis is hereditary, so it’s important for a young woman who has a family history of type II osteoporosis to take steps to minimize her risks. This would include quitting smoking or never starting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Regular exercise will also reduce your risks of developing senile osteoporosis.
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