Getting a bone density test isn’t an exciting thing to do, but it’s more important than you may realize. Taking care of their bone health is a vital way to protect your loved one in Staten Island –not only from broken bones, but also from a potential increase in the risk of death.
If your loved one is experiencing osteoporosis and needs extra care to protect them from falls, we have home health aides who specialize in that type of care. Regardless of how strong their bones may be, at a certain age, regular bone density tests are a must. Here’s what you need to know about bone health and how to protect it.
Bone Health in the Elderly
We tend to think of our skeleton as an inert structure, but the truth is that our bones are made of living cells. According to the National Council on Aging, bones are constantly remodeling themselves, removing old bone material and building new bone.
But as we age, it gets harder for the building process to keep up. People start to lose bone mass as they get older. In fact, women can lose as much as 20 percent of their bone density in the first five to seven years after menopause.
As the body slows down the process of rebuilding, the strength of the bones suffers. When you look closely at bone tissue, it looks like a dense honeycomb. As the minerals that make up the structure are depleted, that honeycomb shape becomes wider, with more space between the walls.
Of course, you can’t feel this process, so it’s easy to miss until you experience a fracture. Fortunately, doctors have a tool to let them keep an eye on just how strong your bones are.
What Is a Bone Density Test?
Since there aren’t any symptoms of bone loss at first, a diagnostic test is an important first step in protecting your loved one’s bone density. The test measures how much calcium and other minerals are in the bones.
A bone density scan uses a low dose of X-rays, known as a Duel-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry, or DEXA scan. It shows the mineral density in specific areas, usually the hip and spine. This measurement is described as a T-score. The higher your T-score is, the stronger your bones are.
Medical experts recommend that women who are 65 years or older should have a bone density scan. Women under 65 may need one if they have high-risk factors for osteoporosis. Men should have the test done at age 70, or younger if they’re at higher risk.
Why Is a Bone Density Test So Important?
Getting a bone density scan is the sort of task that’s easy to push to the bottom of your “to-do” list. But there are good reasons for you to get it done.
- To establish a baseline. Even if your loved one’s bone density looks just fine, it’s important to know where they stand to compare to the next test. Their doctor needs to know if their bone density is low, but it’s also vital to know just how quickly it’s changing.
- To catch problems early. You can’t rebuild bone once it’s lost. But you can slow down the process. A bone density test can identify changes before they lead to big problems.
- Helps determine the best treatment. With any health problem, it’s good to know as much about it as possible, so your doctor can help you and your loved one plan what steps to take next.
The Dangers of Broken Bones
No one wants to go through the pain and difficulty of a broken bone. But for elderly people, a bone fracture can be life-threatening. According to the Endocrine Society, a broken bone raises the risk of death, not only when it happens, but up to 10 years afterward.
The risk is highest in the first year after the fracture. Men who break a hip have a 33 percent higher risk of death in the following year; women have a 20 percent higher risk. Even fracturing smaller bones raises that risk, although to a lesser extent.
A bone density scan is a painless and safe procedure. But the information it provides could help protect your loved ones’ bones–and possibly their life.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Helps Seniors in Staten Island
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and downs. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Staten Island that provide in-home health care services.
DYA provides direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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