Cases of osteoporosis to double by 2040
DEBILITATING DISEASE PRONE TO AFFECT OLDER PEOPLE CAN BE CONTROLLED WITH LIFESTYLE CHANGES, EXPERT SAYS
The prevalence of osteoporosis, a condition marked by brittle and fragile bones that are prone to fracture, is set to double in the UAE by 2040 unless adequate precautions are taken, a top disease expert said.
In Abu Dhabi, 2,143 cases of osteoporosis were recorded last year, according to its health sector regulator, the Health Authority Abu Dhabi (Haad). These were identified through fractures reported to hospitals.
The disease, which is often undetected until the patient experiences a debilitating fracture, is more common in older individuals. And the UAE population, which is still fairly young, will age over the next two decades, Dr Gemma Adib, chair of the International Osteoporosis Foundation Middle East and Africa Regional Advisory Committee, told Gulf News.
“Hip fractures are one of the most common osteoporosis related bone fractures, and we see about 700 of these across the UAE each year,” Dr Adib said.
Osteoporosis also usually causes fractures in the wrist and spine, and because patients are typically older, these injuries take a long time to heal.
Dh 146,918
Average cost of treating a hip fracture in the UAE.
Deadly fractures
“In fact, 30 per cent of patients who experience hip fracture die within a year, while 30 per cent experience permanent disability. Osteoporosis therefore poses a big mortality risk, and also places a massive burden on patients’ families,” she explained.
Dr Adib was speaking on the sidelines of the third Middle East and Africa Osteoporosis Meeting organised by the IOF and the Emirates Osteoporosis Society.
Osteoporosis occurs as bone mineral density decreases because the creation of new bone tissue cannot keep up with the removal of old and dying bone tissue. Such changes in bone mineral density are often caused by hormonal changes that occur during menopause, genetic factors, or diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
In fact, osteoporosis is most common in menopausal women over the age of 50 years, or men aged 60 years or more. Other risk factors include living nonactive lifestyles, smoking, alcohol consumption and deficiency in Vitamin D.
“Vitamin D deficiency greatly increases the risk of developing osteoporosis and about 78 per cent of the UAE population suffers from it,” Dr Adib said. In Abu Dhabi alone, 203,281 new cases [of Vitamin deficiency] were reported in 2014.
The doctor urged residents to check with their doctors about taking Vitamin D supplements.
“Regular exercise is one of the best ways to protect against osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercise for at least half an hour four times a week strengthens the bones and muscles, preventing fractures,” Dr Adib added.