Osteoporosis in elderly: prevention and treatment

The incidence of osteoporosis increases with advancing age and is a major public health problem in the elderly because of its physical, social and psychological consequences. Osteoporosis and its complications are potentially preventable using non pharmacological and pharmacological methods of treatment. The pharmacological agents currently available act by inhibiting bone resorption, and include hormone replacement therapy, bisphosphonates, calcitonin and Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM). Anabolic agents that stimulate bone formation, including PTH, are awaiting approval for use. This article summarizes the epidemiology of osteoporosis in the elderly, the disabilities resulting there from, and then discusses the role of non-pharmacological and pharmacological options for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.