How can my mom improve bone strength with osteoporosis at 62?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mom is 62 years old, and her recent DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan showed a T-score of -2.9, indicating severe osteoporosis. She has been having mild back pain, and her vitamin D levels are also very low at 14 nanograms per milliliter. Please tell me;

Could you please suggest whether bisphosphonate treatment is better compared to newer injectables?
Do calcium and vitamin D supplements alone really help in improving bone density?
Do we need stronger medications?
Can lifestyle changes like walking and diet actually reverse the bone loss at this stage?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Osteoporosis is a common condition in India that mainly affects postmenopausal women, and in most instances, it is easily curable. A T score of -2.9 indicates severe osteoporosis, and Bisphosphonates are quite effective in treating osteoporosis. You need not start directly with injectables.

You can get a combination of Alendronate (a bisphosphonate) with vitamin D, which will be taken once a week on an empty stomach for three months. Make sure she stays upright for at least one hour after the tablet because it can cause esophagitis as a side effect.

Plus, you can give your mother vitamin D3 60000 IU (international unit) for ten days, which would give her enough vitamin D for the next three months.

Also, if she is a non-vegetarian, I would suggest increasing her intake of dairy products like milk, curd, and paneer, as well as protein like pulses, soybeans, eggs, and chicken. I would also recommend getting a spine X-ray done to rule out a pathological fracture. Follow up with an X-ray for further evaluation. Also, start walking with comfortable footwear after the pain is relieved.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.