Osteoporosis in the elderly, pharmacological and non pharmacological prevention and treatment

The aim of this study is to highlight and identify osteoporosis in the elderly as well as to analyze on the current risk factors causing osteoporosis and pharmacological prevention and treatment. This study has three research questions, question one is: What are the current risk factors that cause osteoporosis in the elderly and can they be changed? Question two: What are the classifications of osteoporosis medications and their effects on the disease? And question three is: What are the current approved medications for osteoporosis and their methods of administration? Studies used in the literature review of this thesis included elderly people from all races.The method chosen was literature review. Previous researched articles of relevance to effectiveness, acceptability and ethical issues were sought. It can be concluded that osteoporosis prevention requires adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol ingestion, intake of proper nutrition and living a healthy life style. Risk of fracture determines whether medication is also warranted. A previous vertebral or hip fracture is the most important predictor of fracture risk. Bone density is the best predictor of fracture risk. Age, weight, certain medications, and family history also help establish a person's risk for osteoporotic fractures. All women should have a bone density test by the age of 65 or younger (at the time of menopause) if risk factors are present. Guidelines for men are currently in development. Medications include both antiresorptive and anabolic types. Antiresorptive medications estrogens, selective estrogen receptor modulators (raloxifene), bisphosphonates (alendronate, risedronate, and ibandronate) and calcitonins work by reducing rates of bone remodeling. Teriparatide (parathyroid hormone) is the only anabolic agent currently approved for osteoporosis in the United States. It stimulates new bone formation, repairing architectural defects and improving bone density. All persons who have had osteoporotic vertebral or hip fractures and those with a bone mineral density diagnostic of osteoporosis should receive treatment. In those with a bone mineral density above the osteoporosis range, treatment may be indicated depending on the number and severity of other risk factors.