High-trauma fractures in older adults linked to osteoporosis, increased risk of another fracture
Contrary to a widely held assumption, high-trauma nonspine fractures in older women and men, such as from a car crash, are associated with low bone mineral density and an increased risk of a subsequent fracture, according to a study in the November 28 issue of JAMA. These findings suggest that older adults who experience these fractures should be evaluated for osteoporosis.
УЕ it is widely believed, without supporting evidence, that high-trauma fractures [those resulting from motor vehicle crashes or falls from greater than standing height] are not related to low bone mineral density (BMD) or subsequent fracture risk and therefore are presumed not to be manifestations of osteoporosis,Ф the authors write. They add that these beliefs have several consequences, including the clinical opinions that an older adult who has a high-trauma fracture does not require evaluation for osteoporosis, and that high-trauma fractures cannot be prevented by osteoporosis treatments that increase BMD and bone strength.
New model predicts breast cancer risk in African-American women
Researchers have developed a new risk prediction model that more accurately estimates the breast cancer risk of African American women, according to a study published online November 27 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, also known as the Gail model, is widely used for estimating breast cancer risk and for determining which women are eligible for breast cancer prevention trials.
High blood pressure may heighten effects of Alzheimer’s disease
Having hypertension, or high blood pressure, reduces blood flow in the brains of adults with Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
“While hypertension is not a cause of Alzheimer’s disease, our study shows that it is another hit on the brain that increases its vulnerability to the effects of the disease,” said study co-author Cyrus Raji, scientist and M.D. and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Pittsburgh where the study was conducted.
