A recent study shows older men with Parkinson's disease have a greater risk of bone fractures
By Matthew M. F. Miller CTW Features
In a study of about 6,000 men ages 66 and older, those with Parkinson's had lower bone mineral density in the spine and hip and had three times the risk of suffering fractured or broken bones than men who didn't have the disease.
Parkinson's is a treatable, non-curable nerve disorder that causes tremors, moving difficulty and balance problems, according to the study lead by Dr. Howard A. Fink, M.P.H. It is common with age and affects six in every thousand adults ages 65 to 69, and 30 in every thousand adults older than 80.
Researchers suggest older men with Parkinson's have their bone density tested and ask for ways to boost bone density with safe exercises and "appropriate doses of such bone-building nutrients such as calcium and vitamins D and K."
