Osteoporosis in the elderly

Abstract

Osteoporosis in the elderly and senile can be compared with the epidemic of the 21st century due to the high prevalence and increased incidence among people who have survived the 50-year threshold, which make up the bulk of patients. Osteoporosis is associated with a significant increase in the risk of falls and fractures, leading to adynamia and an increased risk of death. Despite the insufficient knowledge of the pathogenesis of the disease, the available data have already allowed the development of preventive measures and treatment principles. Currently, there are preventive and therapeutic measures aimed at reducing the risk of falls, fractures and repeated fractures, however, earlier detection of the disease in old age is often difficult due to the characteristic features of geriatric patients. The polymorbidity, unexpressed clinical picture, the development of frailty syndrome, sarcopenia, social and mental maladaptation and an increase in the frequency of depression make the population of elderly and senile people vulnerable to an increased risk of osteoporosis, falls and fractures and associated hospitalizations and mortality. This review highlights the features of pathogenesis, clinical features, principles of treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in the older age group.

Keywords

• aging
• osteoporosis
• fractures
• bone
• vitamin d