Osteoporosis
Men are being ignored when it comes to osteoporosis highlights new data
Men are not adequately diagnosed or treated for osteoporosis, says a new report, with those suffering a hip fracture twice as likely to die compared to women.
One-third of all hip fractures worldwide occur in men, with mortality rates as high as 37% in the first year following fracture. This makes men twice as likely as women to die after a hip fracture. Experts warn that as men often remain undiagnosed and untreated, millions are left vulnerable to early death and disability, irrespective of fracture type. Continue reading
Good vibrations: whole body vibration treatment increases balance and bone formation
Falls are common in older people and often cause fractures. Limited treatments are available to help reduce the risk of falling, but a new study has shown that whole body vibration could improve both balance and strength.
A group of volunteers took part in the NICE recommended falls prevention programme, which includes exercise. They were split into three groups that involved: Continue reading
Once yearly treatment for osteoarthritis could be a future option
A promising new treatment for osteoarthritis that is given on a yearly basis is being trialled in Australia. The research team is are recruiting people in Melbourne, Australia, aged at least 50 years old who have knee pain on most days.
Bisphosphonates are already used to treat osteoporosis but could offer benefits to people with osteoarthritis too. The team is also looking at if cholesterol-lowering drugs might help to slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Continue reading
Exercise and balance exercises can prevent falls and fractures
Strength and balance exercises and boosting activity levels in general reduces the risk of breaking a bone after a fall if you are over 60 years old, experts highlight.
Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries in older people, but a new campaign launched by experts from across Europe says that they should not just be written off as an unavoidable consequence of ageing. Falls cost the NHS £2.3billion a year and around a third of people over-65 and half of those over 80 years fall every year. Research shows that exercise can significantly reduce falls risk. Continue reading
Designer molecule could offer targeted treatment of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis
A new molecule may be able to treat osteoporosis and other autoimmune diseases in a more targeted way than is currently possible, says research published in Science Signalling.
Experts from the US have redesigned a molecule that controls immune cell activity, changing the molecule’s target and altering the effects of the signal it sends. Continue reading
