As a person ages, he has more and more health problems, and one of the most common diseases related to old age is osteoporosis.
This disease is manifested by a decrease in the density of bones, due to which they become porous.
The amount of calcium, which ensures the strength of bones and bone tissue, decreases. Such fragile and porous bones are more sensitive to shocks and falls. In severe cases, the bones become brittle as if they were made of glass, because only the framework of the bone remains.
Osteoporosis is more often a disease of women, especially after menopause, and is especially pronounced after the age of 60. However, men also suffer from osteoporosis, especially after the age of 65.
Osteoporosis is one of the main causes of serious disability in older people. A hip fracture caused by osteoporosis affects one in three women and one in five men in old age.
Unlike most diseases, osteoporosis comes without warning and usually goes without symptoms until the moment when the most serious consequences occur, i.e. fractures. Loss of height, stooping and back pain are most often attributed to other reasons or aging. Because of this, patients affected by this progressive and insidious disease usually reach the doctor at an advanced stage, when a hip, vertebra or some other bone breaks.
The most modern methods of treating osteoporosis include the use of new bisphosphonate drugs. These are now the most effective drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis in both women and men.
The most important way to prevent osteoporosis is prevention. Sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D, and physical activity are very important in timely protection. A daily intake of 1.000 – 1.500 mg of calcium and 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D is recommended.
Types
Postmenopausal osteoporosis (type 1)
Postmenopausal osteoporosis occurs in women after menopause (last menstruation). This type of bone disease is accompanied by vertebral fractures.
Senile osteoporosis (type 2)
Senile osteoporosis occurs in both sexes after the age of 70. The most common consequence is a hip fracture, and it is caused by aging, reports Nezavisne.
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