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According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and another 44 million have low bone mass. Understanding **how often should I do a bone scan** is crucial for early detection and proactive management of bone health, particularly as you age.
Affecting individuals over 70, primary type 2 osteoporosis is a common bone disease characterized by the gradual loss of both inner trabecular and outer cortical bone. This age-related condition, also known as senile osteoporosis, affects both men and women, with women twice as likely to be diagnosed. Unlike postmenopausal osteoporosis, it is not primarily caused by hormonal changes but by a combination of aging factors.
Millions of older adults face the reality of weakened bones; according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one in two women and one in four men over 50 will eventually suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture. Understanding exactly what is considered senile osteoporosis is a critical first step toward effective prevention and management.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of osteoporosis at the femur neck or lumbar spine among adults aged 50 and over was 12.6% in 2017-2018. So, what is the bone disease due to old age? The primary condition is osteoporosis, a silent disease that weakens bones, making them fragile and more prone to fractures.
Bone density naturally declines after the age of 30, with a more rapid acceleration of bone loss in women after menopause and men over 70. However, this does not mean hope is lost. It is possible to increase bone density after 70, particularly through anabolic medications, while consistent lifestyle adjustments are crucial for slowing further loss and maintaining bone strength.
While it is normal to lose some bone mass as you get older, osteoporosis is a preventable and treatable disease, not an inevitable part of the aging process. An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis, and another 44 million have low bone mass, known as osteopenia. Understanding the difference is critical for proactive bone health.
