OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Introduction

The prevalence is higher in white and Asian women, but it also occurs in African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaskan Native women. Approximately 10 million Americans, 8 million of whom are women, are affected by the disease and these numbers are expected to increase. It contributes to 1.5 million fractures per year, occurring most commonly in the wrist, spine, and hip (Weitzmann, 2006). Twenty percent of victims of hip fractures die within a year. Another 20 percent will end up in a nursing home within a year. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimated that $18 billion was spent on fractures related to osteoporosis in 2002. Osteoporosis often goes undetected until a fracture occurs, but a diagnosis can be made with a bone mineral density test (BMD). It is recommended that all women over the age of 65 have a yearly BMD test. In addition any postmenopausal woman with two or more risk factors should also have the test. Risk factors include such things as smoking, lack of exercise, and low body mass index (Sambrooke, 2006).

Symptoms

Osteoporosis is bone disease with symptoms including low bone mass and deterioration of bone structure. This can lead to increased risk for bone fractures. Although osteoporosis occurs in both men and women, it occurs more frequently in women (Patlak, 2001).

Transmission and Cause

Primary, age-related osteoporosis is the most common form of the disease, resulting largely from age and hormone-related decreases in bone quality. Risk factors for osteoporosis and related fractures include physical inactivity, previous fractures, smoking, low body weight, low exposure to sunlight (in people above 50), tendency to fall, alcohol consumption, and impaired vision. Preliminary research also suggests an important role for genetic predisposition in the development of osteoporosis. Reduced bone quality due to diseases, disorders, medication use, and/or toxin exposure is referred to as secondary ...