Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a debilitating disease that usually impacts older women. The disease is characterized by a gradual loss in bone density. If you are a nursing student that needs a research paper on Osteoporosis, have the medical writers at Paper Masters custom write your research according to your exact instructions.

Osteoporosis is known as the silent disease. It takes a long period of time and several tests to diagnose the disease. Although several new treatment options are now available, the long-term effectiveness of these treatments is not known. Additionally, some treatments pose increased risk for the development of other diseases.

Osteoporosis is a debilitating, bone-thinning disorder. The disease causes the bones to weaken until eventually, they are susceptible to even the slightest form of trauma. Statistics released by the National Osteoporosis Foundation indicate that one out of every two women over the age of 50 will suffer from an osteoporosis-related fracture.

The following are factors for development of osteoporosis:

1. Age and low body weight are confirmed risk factors in the development of osteoporosis
2. A low level of physical activity
3. Smoking
4. Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake
5. Low levels of vitamin D and calcium intake.

Osteoporosis is known as the silent disease in that it progresses slowly and does not display obvious symptoms.

Postmenopausal women are at the greatest risks for developing osteoporosis. Experts state that by the time women reach the age of 55 they have already lost 30 percent of their bone mass. Today, osteoporosis is the third leading cause of death for women over the age of 70. Studies indicate that Caucasian and Asian females have a greater risk for osteoporosis, although females from other races are at a high-risk level as well.

Although osteoporosis is thought of as a woman's disease, men are at risk of developing the condition as well. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that approximately 2 million men in the United States suffer from osteoporosis and an additional 12 million men are at risk for developing the disease.

Osteoporosis is diagnosed by using screening methods. Current recommendations call for all women 65-years of age and older to undergo regular osteoporosis screenings. For women with increased risks, the recommendation is to begin screening at the age of 60 . The results from the screening tests are compared over a two-year period to determine changes in bone mineral density, although longer intervals may be necessary to properly diagnosis the condition in some patients.