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What Is Senile Osteoporosis?

Rebecca Harkin
Rebecca Harkin

Senile osteoporosis is one of two main types of osteoporosis. This disease is characterized by the loss of the body’s ability to make vitamin D and the failure of the body to absorb calcium, which leads to the loss of both hard and spongy bone. Typically diagnosed through a bond density scan, the treatment for this form of osteoporosis is to supplement the body with vitamin D and calcium. The chances of developing this type of osteoporosis can be decreased by not smoking, restricting the use of alcohol, and by getting regular exercise.

There are two main types of osteoporosis; type I, known as postmenopausal osteoporosis, and type II, know as senile osteoporosis. In the case of senile osteoporosis, the word, “senile” refers to old age or a form osteoporosis that appears late in life, around 70 years of age. Type II osteoporosis involves the decay of both the hard bone, called the cortical bone, and the spongy, or trabecular, bone.

Restricting the use of alcohol and not smoking may decrease a person's chance of developing senile osteoporosis.
Restricting the use of alcohol and not smoking may decrease a person's chance of developing senile osteoporosis.

This condition is brought on by the decrease in vitamin D and calcium production and absorption by the body with age. Very late in life, typically after 70 years, the body’s kidneys fail to make vitamin D. The reduced concentration of vitamin D in the body restricts the amount of calcium that can be taken up. Low calcium levels cause the parathyroid hormone to signal the body to reabsorb bone to compensate for the calcium deficiency. The result is the gradual eroding of the hard and spongy bone, increasing the risks of bone fractures.

Osteoporosis that appears late in life is referred to as senile osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis that appears late in life is referred to as senile osteoporosis.

Type II osteoporosis is typically not observed until a patient fractures a bone. When a family history of senile osteoporosis is known, a doctor may order yearly bone density scans to track bone loss. Ultrasounds or quantitative computerized tomography scans can also identify depleted bone density.

The treatment for this geriatric syndrome is to increase vitamin D and calcium supplementation to offset the lack of these two components. Supplementation will modulate the release of the parathyroid hormone and save bone. Patients with senile osteoporosis are also advised to decrease the risk of falls by wearing flat, well-fitted shoes, using handrails on stairs, and clearing the house of fall-provoking clutter.

Osteoporosis is a condition that results in weakened and fragile bones.
Osteoporosis is a condition that results in weakened and fragile bones.

Senile osteoporosis is hereditary, making it is important for a young person who has a family history of type II osteoporosis to take actions to minimize her risks. This would include quitting smoking or never starting to smoke and limiting alcohol consumption. Regular exercise will also lower the risks of developing senile osteoporosis.

Discussion Comments

literally45

My grandmother broker her leg last week after a fall. It wasn't a very serious fall but when there is osteoporosis, it becomes very easy to break things. The bones become very weak, and almost hollow and even small injuries can do lots of harm. That's why the elderly need help to make sure that they are not falling.

We are having special support bars for my grandmother's bathroom and stairs so that she can hold on to them for support.

SteamLouis

@bluedolphin-- I'm not a doctor but I think that calcium supplements can help prevent senile osteoporosis to a large degree. Of course, it's important to take them with vitamin D since the body needs vitamin D to absorb the calcium. Some osteoporosis may still occur but there are additional medications that doctors can prescribe to slow it down and delay it if it is advancing too quickly. My grandfather is on this type of medication. He also gets a bone density scan every year to keep track of his osteoporosis.

So it's not like once someone is diagnosed with this condition, they are doomed. There are things that can be done to help.

bluedolphin

Since senile osteoporosis occurs in old age, I think almost everyone is bound to get it. It just has to do with the organs wearing out and not working as well.

What I'm wondering is, if an elderly person takes calcium supplements regularly, can senile osteoporosis really be prevented? If the body isn't able to absorb the calcium, does it help to take supplements? Or is senile osteoporosis unpreventable to some degree?

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    • Restricting the use of alcohol and not smoking may decrease a person's chance of developing senile osteoporosis.
      By: iofoto
      Restricting the use of alcohol and not smoking may decrease a person's chance of developing senile osteoporosis.
    • Osteoporosis that appears late in life is referred to as senile osteoporosis.
      By: Kadmy
      Osteoporosis that appears late in life is referred to as senile osteoporosis.
    • Osteoporosis is a condition that results in weakened and fragile bones.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Osteoporosis is a condition that results in weakened and fragile bones.
    • Most cases of senile osteoporosis appear around age 70 or later.
      By: michaeljung
      Most cases of senile osteoporosis appear around age 70 or later.
    • A DXA scan can be used to measure bone density loss in those with osteoporosis.
      By: jovannig
      A DXA scan can be used to measure bone density loss in those with osteoporosis.
    • Senile osteoporosis may cause elderly individuals to be especially susceptible to falls.
      By: ArTo
      Senile osteoporosis may cause elderly individuals to be especially susceptible to falls.