Highest Risk Population Least Likely To Have Bone Density Measured

A new study shows that those most at risk for osteoporosis - women over the age of 75 - are the least likely to have bone density screening. Bone density screening is a test that can determine if someone has osteoporosis and indicate a need for treatment. Osteoporosis is a disease in which the bones become very fragile and break easily. Bone tissue is broken down at a faster rate than it is replaced. Affected bone takes on a lacy appearance. It can affect all bones and is a significant factor in the increased incidence of hip fractures among seniors. While it is estimated that over half of women over the age of 85 have osteoporosis, only about 10 % of women over the age of 80 have the screening tests that could identify the problem and indicate a need for treatment.

The study looked at statistics about the disease with no interviews of women to help them determine a reason for this. the researchers did offer some thought as to why older women were not having bone density studies. Some of their theories are

• Physicians were not ordering testing for older women because they discounted the longer life expectancy of women. An 80 year old woman could easily live another 9 years. Identifying a problem and starting treatment could improve those later years.
• Physicians may not be familiar with the osteoporosis treatments available, or may not feel that bone health could be improved.
• Older women may be reluctant to take another medication, or may have had some side effects from a prescribed medication.
• Older women may not realize they are at risk for osteoporosis, or may feel it is just a normal part of aging. They may not ask their doctors to order the tests fearing higher medical bills. They need to know that bone scans are covered by Medicare.

Communication between older women and their doctors is very important. Caregivers should also be aware of the risk of osteoporosis and should intervene with physicians to be sure that older adults get not only good medical care but that they get the preventive care they require.

Osteoporosis Facts

• Older men also develop osteoporosis but have a much lower incidence than women.
• Loss of height is often one of the first indications of osteoporosis. It can indicate compression fractures of the spine. Physicians should monitor height to determine if osteoporosis is present.
• Increasing calcium and vitamin D in the diet can help reduce bone loss.
• Weight bearing exercise can help keep bones strong.

  Source Medical College of Wisconsin, 02/13/06