Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by low bone density and weakened bone strength, leading to an
increased risk of fractures. Meanwhile, sarcopenia is a condition where there is insufficient muscle mass
and strength, affecting daily functional activities. Despite being two separate diseases, they are closely
related, and they often occur together. People with low muscle mass tend to have poor bone density, and
those with osteoporosis usually have insufficient muscle mass.
The Aging Process and Osteoporosis
With the aging population growing, the number of patients with osteoporosis and sarcopenia is on the rise.
Weak muscles can lead to falls, fractures, and disability. Physical weakness, metabolic disorders, and
increased fat can cause metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and higher mortality rates. Therefore,
it is essential not to ignore the "osteosarcopenia syndrome" that combines sarcopenia with osteoporosis.
Women usually enter menopause at around 50 years of age, and due to a lack of estrogen maintenance, the
balance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts is disrupted, leading to rapid bone loss.
Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis typically has no symptoms, and patients often experience back pain and hunchback due to
vertebral fractures and collapse, or even suffer from fragility fractures after falling from a standing
height, before realizing they have the disease. If you undergo bone density screening and find that you
belong to the high-risk group, such as T-scores between -1 and -2.5, and there are potential risk factors
for osteoporosis, or if the T-score is already below -2.5, you should seek medical attention immediately and
undergo a DEXA dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry examination for diagnosis.
Osteoporosis is a treatable disease. Early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and medication prescribed by
doctors can lower the risk of fractures and enable most patients to enjoy a high-quality life.
