One in four people in MV over 75 suffers from osteoporosis - that's how dangerous it is!

One in four people in MV over 75 suffers from osteoporosis - that's how dangerous it is!

Osteoporosis is an issue that is increasingly coming into focus, especially among women over 75 years of age. The latest figures show that one in four women in this age group in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is affected by osteoporosis. The AOK reports that the disease is a serious widespread disease there, with a particularly high incidence in Western Pomerania-Greifswald, where an impressive 5.4 out of 100 residents are affected.

In contrast, the lowest incidence in northwest Mecklenburg is 4 out of 100. Overall, in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, around 4.8 percent of the population suffers from osteoporosis, which corresponds to around 54,000 people. What makes the statistics even more exciting: The frequency of the disease in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania exceeds the national average by a full fifth, while in Hamburg only 2.9 percent are affected and in Saxony-Anhalt the rate is 5.8 percent.

Risk factors and diagnosis

But what is osteoporosis actually? It is a chronic condition, also known as bone loss, that results in porous bones that can break easily. Women are affected significantly more often than men. However, the number of unreported cases is high because many of those affected know nothing about their illness, as it usually has no symptoms at first. This means that valuable time is lost to counteract it early and prevent serious consequences such as broken bones or loss of quality of life.

According to the BFO, DXA bone density measurement is the best method to detect the disease. This examination should be recommended for women aged around 50 and men aged 70 and over, even without any particular reasons for suspicion. In addition, blood samples and, if necessary, urine samples can provide valuable information. A specific questionnaire can provide initial clues as to whether an examination is advisable.

A call for precaution

It is not only important to recognize osteoporosis, but also to take active action against it. Although the disease is chronic, it is easily treatable. Early, consistent action is the key to avoiding late stages. Self-help groups can help to convey security and personal competence, which can be particularly valuable for those affected.

The AOK has around 370,000 insured people in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and attaches great importance to pointing out the risks and the need for preventive examinations. At the same time, it appears that regional differences, such as the higher incidence of the disease in areas with a higher proportion of smokers, are important. Smoking has been proven to have a detrimental effect on bone metabolism, which is why quitting smoking is strongly recommended.

Overall, osteoporosis is a disease that requires attention, especially in older women. Information and health care are crucial to combating this widespread disease. The BFO emphasizes how important it is to educate the population about the diseases and their prevention so that more people know about the status of their bone health and can act early.

For further details about the risks and how to deal with osteoporosis, take a look at the reporting from n-tv and the information from BFO. Raising awareness is the first step in overcoming this challenge together.