Osteoporosis is more common among women than men. In Australia 5.5% of women, compared to 1.2% of men, have osteoporosis. Describe, in terms of bone structure, how osteoporosis develops and explain why women are more likely to be affected by osteoporosis than men. Mark Description Bones lose minerals Bone breakdown/resorption occurs faster than new bone formation 1–4 Bone density decreases Bones become more porous and fragile Sex hormones oestrogen and testosterone help maintain bone formation 1 Men develop greater bone density than females during development 1 Oestrogen levels decrease rapidly during menopause 1–2 which results in rapid increase in bone loss Testosterone gradually decreases over time with age 1–2 therefore increase in bone loss is gradual over time Total /10 List three risk factors for increased likelihood of being affected by osteoporosis and how it is diagnosed in Australia. Description Mark Any of the following risk factors: low calcium intake low vitamin d levels low hormone levels/women – early menopause/men – low testosterone 1–3 low levels of physical activity smoking excessive alcohol intake high intake of corticosteroids Any of the following: bone density scan 1 dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) scan Total /4 Describe one form of treatment and any associated risks or side effects. Description Mark Treatment for osteoporosis should include safe exercise program – including modified strength 2 training and safe weight bearing Treatment for osteoporosis should include fall prevention – including exercise to improve balance, 2 trip proof home, wearing hip protector, wearing sturdy footwear Treatment for osteoporosis should include a diet/supplements rich in calcium and vitamin D 2 Any one of the following medication treatments with associated risk two marks for treatment; two marks for risks (not all risks need to be included) Treatment Bisphosphonate – most commonly used for initial treatment, Bisphosphonates tablets taken regularly to help reduce bone breakdown Risks/side effects 1–4 May cause stomach upset, ulcers and rarely cancer, pain in bones and joints and can cause jawbone decay/osteonecrosis (rarely) Treatment
Osteoporosis is more common among women than men. In Australia 5.5% of women, compared to 1.2% of men, have osteoporosis. Describe, in terms of bone structure, how osteoporosis develops and explain why women are more likely to be affected by osteoporosis than men. Description Mark Bones lose minerals Bone breakdown/resorption occurs faster than new bone formation Bone density decreases Bones become more porous and fragile 1–4 Sex hormones oestrogen and testosterone help maintain bone formation 1 Men develop greater bone density than females during development 1 Oestrogen levels decrease rapidly during menopause which results in rapid increase in bone loss 1–2 Testosterone gradually decreases over time with age therefore increase in bone loss is gradual over time 1–2 Total /10 List three risk factors for increased likelihood of being affected by osteoporosis and how it is diagnosed in Australia. Description Mark Any of the following risk factors: low calcium intake low vitamin d levels low hormone levels/women – early menopause/men – low testosterone low levels of physical activity smoking excessive alcohol intake high intake of corticosteroids 1–3 Any of the following: bone density scan dual-energy absorptiometry (DXA) scan 1 Total /4 Describe one form of treatment and any associated risks or side effects. Description Mark Treatment for osteoporosis should include safe exercise program – including modified strength training and safe weight bearing 2 Treatment for osteoporosis should include fall prevention – including exercise to improve balance, trip proof home, wearing hip protector, wearing sturdy footwear 2 Treatment for osteoporosis should include a diet/supplements rich in calcium and vitamin D 2 Any one of the following medication treatments with associated risk two marks for treatment; two marks for risks (not all risks need to be included) Treatment Bisphosphonate – most commonly used for initial treatment, Bisphosphonates tablets taken regularly to help reduce bone breakdown Risks/side effects May cause stomach upset, ulcers and rarely cancer, pain in bones and joints and can cause jawbone decay/osteonecrosis (rarely) 1–4 Treatment