Although progress has been made into the research and treatment
of osteoporosis, researchers stated that a high percentage of people
with the disease are diagnosed only after they experience a fracture.
These findings have researchers concerned over whether or not patients
are receiving the best treatment for their bone condition. The number
of people seeking treatment for osteoporosis, a disease that causes
bones to become weak and eventually fracture, has risen from half
a million in 1994 to 3.5 million in 2003.
An increase in new medications and treatment options has surfaced
as ways to identify and treat those with the disease. Approximately
10 million suffer with osteoporosis and an additional 34 million
are at risk. Despite these statistics, in many cases warning signs
of osteoporosis such as weak bones, particularly in the hip, spine
or wrist, aren't diagnosed as osteoporosis until a fracture
occurs.
Women are especially prone to developing osteoporosis, which could
lead to serious long-term health problems and a strong likelihood
of nursing home confinement, particularly in the event of a hip
fracture.
The growing number of people diagnosed with osteoporosis is evident
in the $17 billion that was paid out in 2001 for medical costs needed
to treat the disease. As a form of preventative measure, bone density
screenings were recommended for all women over the age of 65 beginning
in 2002.
A concern of doctors regarding treatment of osteoporosis is the
increase of anti-osteoporosis drugs and the gradual decline of calcium
supplement intake.
Science
Daily July 28, 2004
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