Medical Treatment of Age Related Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis risk and complications increase with age. The syndrome of osteoporosis of old age is different from postmenopausal osteoporosis because both men and women are affected as they age. The aim of osteoporosis treatment is to prevent fractures by preventing falls and strengthening the skeleton. Bone mineral density (BMD) is used as a guide to predict future fracture risk. Numerous clinical trials have tested the efficacy of both nutritional supplements (calcium and vitamin D) and pharmacologic therapies to reduce fracture risk in those with osteoporosis. However, not all trials included patients who were very old, despite the fact that they are at increased risk of fractures. Trials also sometimes demonstrated efficacy in preventing only certain types of fractures but not others. This chapter reviews the evidence supporting osteoporosis treatments.