Osteoporosis is common among older adults and results in costly osteoporotic fractures. With the aging of the population, low bone mass states will be an increasing clinical issue for both men and women. Screening for this metabolic bone disorder is warranted in most old adults and clinicians must be diligent in identifying persons at risk. The evaluation should include an assessment of risk factors for falls, a bone density test, and consideration of possible secondary causes of osteoporosis. Several medications are available to improve bone density and decrease fractures. There are a variety of pharmaceutical agents that have been recommended for the treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis including hormone replacement therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulator therapy, anti-resorptive therapy. In addition patients with osteoporosis who have failed anti-resorptive therapy can have a significant improvement in their bone density with anabolic therapy.
Adult ; Aging ; Bone Density ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic ; Female ; Hormone Replacement Therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Osteoporosis ; Osteoporotic Fractures ; Risk Factors ; Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators