Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to increased bone porosity and fragility. Per the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), it’s estimated to impact about 700,000 people in the UK. The disease has been extremely dangerous even in those who get infected, especially older adults. Studies indicate that 50% of Caucasian women over the age of 50 will sustain an osteoporotic fracture. Furthermore, one in five men of the same age will experience this fate too. As the number of older adults continues to increase, knowing the risks and available treatments will be more important than ever.
The ROS strongly encourages the need for proactive, preventative approaches to targeting and diagnosing osteoporosis. One important tool in this effort is the new Frax questionnaire, created by researchers at the University of Sheffield. This clinically based fracture risk assessment tool considers 11 main risk factors. These factors are age, sex, body weight, body height, and a positive family history of hip fractures. By pinpointing those at increased risk, such as older people and those with comorbidities, healthcare providers can suggest focused interventions.
Alongside these assessments, diagnostic imaging is essential to osteoporosis management. A Dexa scan is a painless procedure that uses low-level X-rays to measure bone density, giving a crucial baseline from which a doctor can evaluate bone health. The findings of these scans directly drive the choice of treatment and provide guidance for healthy vs. unhealthy lifestyle interventions.
The ROS continues to support a comprehensive federal response in the effort to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Though it recognizes the importance of exercise, it warns us not to look to physical activity alone to be the remedy. Community-based exercises such as tai chi, dance, yoga and pilates not only strengthen bones but enhance balance and coordination. The group recommends people with spine fractures or those with multiple fragility fractures to participate only in low-impact forms.
In the last few years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been considered as a promising treatment for osteoporosis. The therapy involves raising the levels of a female sex hormone called estrogen, which is known to build stronger bones. The ROS also recognizes that research comparing HRT with other treatments for osteoporosis is lacking. Nonetheless, it implies that HRT almost certainly cuts the risk of fractures in as decisive a manner as these therapies do.
Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for bone health. In fact, the ROS advises vitamin D supplements from late September to early April in Britain, when we cannot conveniently make it ourselves through sunlight exposure. The group even has programs to promote healthy and nutritious eating habits. These supplements should provide a range of vitamins and minerals known to be important for healthy bone formation.
The ROS provides important tools and resources to educate people about their risk factors. You can learn more about different types of exercises with a short guide on their website. If you are classified as low-risk for osteoporosis, the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group has some promising news. Even worse, they suggest skipping medication and doubling down on lifestyle advice.
Queen Camilla has a long history of raising awareness about osteoporosis, having served as president of the ROS since 2001. She brings personal experience into her work on the disease. Both her mother and grandmother had osteoporosis. In speaking about her family’s experiences, she remarked:
“My family and I watched in horror as my mother quite literally shrank in front of our eyes.” – Queen Camilla
The emotional impact of seeing one’s friends and family members withering under the effects of osteoporosis is more than unexpected. Karen Hancock, a patient, shares her struggles with the condition:
“If I fall – which I tend to do running because I’m a bit clumsy – I do break things.” – Karen Hancock
One woman diagnosed as “borderline osteoporotic” at age 66 stated:
“My osteoporosis has completely reversed itself.” – A 66-year-old woman
These positive results underscore the significant room for improvement there is if we enact the right changes. A report noted that one individual’s bone density:
“is above the upper limit of normal for age at all sites.” – A report
Even with these positive results in hand, experts are wary of making blanket statements about exercise as a cure-all treatment for osteoporosis. Sarah Leyland explains:
“There does seem to be some new evidence coming out that you may get some improvements. You might actually see bone density improving; you might actually be able to reduce fracture risk with the right kind of exercise. But it’s quite early research, and we just don’t have the studies to show that it makes enough difference in someone who’s already in a higher-risk group. So we talk about it as complementary.” – Sarah Leyland
This view, especially, highlights the need for a holistic and well-rounded strategy combining lifestyle changes and medical therapies. Bisphosphonates are one of the most prescribed medications to treat osteoporosis. They are part of the first class of antiresorptive medications specifically developed to inhibit bone resorption.
The ROS is still committed to increasing awareness of the devastation osteoporosis can bring to individuals and families. Today, the organization is still on the frontlines, giving those impacted by the disease much-needed information, advocacy and support.