OSTEOPOROSIS - PATHOGENESIS, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT IN OLDER ADULTS

Prevention of osteoporosis is a major health concern. Bone loss occurs throughout life in both women and men due to calcium deficiency, horm onal deficiency, and changes in bone formation. The diagnosis of osteo porosis can now be made Frier to fragility fracture, allowing for prev ention as well as treatment. Criteria for diagnosis of osteoporosis ar e reviewed, and a plan for the evaluation of secondary causes of osteo porosis is discussed. Also reviewed are prevention and treatment optio ns such Is exercise, calcium supplementation, hormone replacement, and new and investigational drugs.