Page 15 - Seniors Today June2020
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Bone density for -2.5 or less
osteoporosis (thinning of the
bones is present and there is
an increased risk of fracture)
Assessing the risk of fracture
A low bone mineral density measure
is associated with an increased risk of
fractures. For every reduction in T-score, the
risk of fracture doubles so someone with a
T-score of -2 faces twice the risk of fracture
compared with someone whose T-score is -1.
Other risk factors mentioned earlier also
influence the likelihood of fracture, not just the
bone mineral density reading on a DXA scan.
Frequency of DXA scans Physical activity can help maintain bone strength
Generally your doctor will arrange for you Management & treatment
to have a repeat DXA scan every two or three In youngsters it is important to achieve a
years to monitor the status of your bones high peak bone mass with exercise and
and/or assess the effects of therapy. a healthy diet. After that bones usually
weaken with age, so the focus from early on
X-ray is to prevent bone loss, maintain existing
A plain X-ray of your upper and lower bone strength, and treat existing osteopenia
spinal column (thoraco-lumbar spine) may (before the bones develop osteoporosis) and
be ordered to determine whether there are osteoporosis.
already features of osteoporosis affecting
the spinal column. Up to one third of women Lifestyle management
with osteoporosis may have had a fracture of A diet that includes: Calcium, limited
the spine without knowing it. caffeine, limited alcohol, adequate vitamin
D and 45 min of sunlight exposure per
Blood tests day, calcium and vitamin D supplements
It may also be necessary to have blood and if you have a deficiency, physical activity
urine tests to look for any contributing – especially weight-bearing exercise, not
causes for osteoporosis. This may include smoking, and fall prevention strategies in
assessment of vitamin D levels, calcium the elderly.
levels and thyroid function.
Illnesses & medications
Ultrasound If you have an illness or take medication,
Currently ultrasound measurement of the which increases your risk of osteoporosis,
heel is available to diagnose osteoporosis. it is important to be aware of this impact,
Ultrasound tests are not as accurate in discuss the effects with your doctor, and
assessing for osteoporosis as a DXA scan. have regular testing of your bone density.
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #12 | JUNE 2020 15
