Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.
According to the USPSTF, osteoporosis screening is recommended for all women aged 65 and older. So, should a DEXA scan for osteoporosis be done at age 75? The necessity depends on a patient's individual risk factors and prior screening history.
Osteoporosis is often called a 'silent disease' because you may not know you have it until a bone breaks. Which of the following symptoms is very often the first indication that a person has osteoporosis? The answer is not what you might expect, highlighting the critical importance of proactive bone health management.
Hip fractures are associated with an alarmingly high mortality rate, often exceeding the expected rate for the general population for years after the injury. One of the most pressing concerns for older adults is understanding **what is the most significant complication after a hip fracture** in order to mitigate the profound risks associated with this serious injury.
Every year, millions of older adults experience a fall, with up to 25% of survivors of a hip fracture ending up in long-term care a year later. Understanding **what is the most common fracture in elderly people** is the first step toward proactive prevention and maintaining a high quality of life.
One-year mortality rates following a hip fracture range significantly, from 20% to 40%. This makes understanding what is the average survival rate for a hip fracture, and the many variables that influence it, a critical part of a patient's care.
According to the CDC, over 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year, and the recovery process is often a serious concern for families. Understanding **how long does it take an 80 year old to recover from a fall?** requires considering a variety of factors, from the severity of the injury to the individual's overall health.
Osteoporosis is often referred to as a "silent disease," with many people unaware they have it until a bone breaks unexpectedly. We explore **what is the most common and frequent symptom of osteoporosis** and how recognizing its subtle indicators is crucial for timely intervention.
According to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 44 million Americans have low bone density, placing them at increased risk for the disease. Understanding **what happens if bone density is low** is crucial for proactive health management, as this silent condition can lead to life-altering consequences if left unaddressed. ## Understanding Low Bone Density: Osteopenia vs. Osteoporosis Low bone density, medically known as osteopenia, is a precursor to osteoporosis. At its core, it means your bones have less mineral content than the average healthy adult, making them weaker. Unlike many health issues, this condition has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. The primary risk is the increased likelihood of bone fractures, which can occur from seemingly minor incidents. As bone density continues to decline, the condition can advance to osteoporosis, a more severe state where bones become fragile, with the internal honeycomb-like structure showing larger holes and thinner outer walls. This progression significantly escalates the risk of serious fractures.
The World Health Organization (WHO) formally recognized osteoporosis as a disease in 1993 and provided an official diagnostic classification. So, what is osteoporosis according to WHO's criteria? It is defined by low bone density and the structural degradation of bone tissue, which consequently increases bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture.
In the United States, over 10 million adults have osteoporosis, and many turn to medications like Prolia to manage the condition. If you're starting this treatment, understanding the timeline for improvement is key to managing expectations and monitoring your bone health, which is why we’ll answer the question, "How long does it take for Prolia to improve bone density?"
