PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES.

PATHOLOGY COMMON AGING

Within the musculoskeletal changes in aging we have osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis in a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and bone disorders. It is a chronic process that is developed with age and it is associated with various diseases and treatments. It is also influenced by heredity, environment and lifestyle.

The bone changes make it have reduced resistance and increased bone fragility.

In the elderly the clinical complications associated with osteoporotic  fracture include increased morbidity, mortality and increase of suffering new fractures.

Are there steps that could make an old woman become old age with fewer fragility fractures related to osteoporosis?

What is clear is that it is very important to try as far as possible avoid osteoporosis helping patients after menopause.

We will have an impact on healthy habits before the patient reaches the age to try to prevent fragility fractures.

These measures are:

• Follow a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. calcium is the main mineral component of bone tissue. Studies have support that an intake of 1000 mg / day of calcium reduces by 12% the risk of hip fracture.
• Regarding  vitamin D it is important in the absorption of calcium, and its deficit is somewhat related to osteoporosis.
• Sun exposure is very important for the synthesis of vitamin D. There is very little evidence on the effect to reduce fragility fracture but knowing that it is important for the synthesis of vitamin D we will recommend it to the patient.
• The consumption of tobacco. Women who smoke have lower levels of urinary estrogen and menopause comes earlier than in nonsmoking women. Bone loss ratio is about two times higher in smokers. And there are studies that confirm that smokers have an increase of fracture at all locations.
• Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of fragility fracture. According to a Danish study there is a high association between alcohol intake and hip fracture.
• Excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks increases the risk of fractures. Caffeine interferes with the absorption of calcium. As shown in one study (Moehrer et al 2003) daily caffeine intake is a factor for hip fracture.
• Physical exercise increases bone reabsorption and formation. Studies show that regular exercise practice(compared with sedentary people) have a lower risk of fractures.

We will recommend what was cited above to the menopausal patient to improve their future quality of life. So we can somehow help women to reach better an old age and with less chance of osteoporosis.

http://www.guiasalud.es/GPC/GPC_476_Osteoporosis_AIAQS_compl.pdf

http://portal.guiasalud.es/web/guest/catalogo-gpc