Department of Physics
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Chaos & Complex Systems Seminar
What’s a “bone attack” and why should I care?
Date: Tuesday, September 29th
Time: 12:05 pm - 1:00 pm
Place: 4274 Chamberlin (refreshments will be served)
Speaker: Neil Binkley, UW Institute on Aging
Abstract: We all know that heart attacks signify artery disease and that they may cause disability and even death. However, many people do not appreciate that fractures (broken bones) in older adults, what we are calling “bone attacks,” similarly indicate underlying bone and muscle disease. A Bone Attack is a broken bone (fracture) occurring in an adult age 50+ from a fall or other minimally traumatic event. Bone attacks are common and occur in 1:2 women and 1:4 men over 50. Fractures of the spine, hip and forearm are the most common types, but rib, pelvis and upper arm fractures also occur. Bone attacks, like heart attacks, are serious health events that may cause disability and even death. Indeed, 20-30% of older adults who break their hip die within one year and approximately half of those who survive a hip fracture require assistance with everyday activities and approximately 1/3 require nursing home care, some permanently.<br>
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Bone attacks (fractures) result from osteoporosis (bone loss) and sarcopenia (muscle loss) in older adults. In essence, both our bone and muscle strength decline as we age. This combination increases our risk for falling and when falls occur onto weakened bones, bone attacks (fractures) result. The likelihood of these fractures is increased by obesity and diabetes. Despite the high prevalence of these bone attacks, they remain largely ignored by physicians, patients and the healthcare system. It’s time for a change.
Host: Sprott
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