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It’s critical for providers to recognize which medications used to treat patients with chronic inflammation are less likely to exert a negative impact on bone health. The use of corticosteroids, commonly used to control the inflammation that characterizes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), can result in significant bone loss and increase the risk of fractures.
Early and aggressive treatment of RA with biologic drugs, specifically biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, may be most effective in halting progressive bone loss in patients with RA. A recent scientific review presents the best evidence for the use of biologic therapies for the treatment of RA.
In addition to reading our e-newsletter, be sure to visit Today’s Geriatric Medicine’s website at www.TodaysGeriatricMedicine.com, where you’ll find news and information that’s relevant and reliable. We welcome your feedback at TGMeditor@gvpub.com. Follow Today’s Geriatric Medicine on Facebook and Twitter, too.
— Barbara Worthington, editor |
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Biologic Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
May Protect Against Rapid Bone Loss
A new review by the International Osteoporosis Foundation Chronic Inflammation and Bone Structure Working Group concludes that early and aggressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with biologic drugs, specifically biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), may be most effective in halting progressive bone loss in patients with RA.
Coauthor Cristiano Zerbini, MD, director of the Centro Paulista de Investigação Clinica in São Paolo, Brazil, says, “Bone loss is one of the most harmful effects induced by chronic inflammation as well as by medications taken to treat rheumatoid arthritis, such as glucocorticoids. It is therefore important that we gain a better understanding of which medications used to treat patients with chronic inflammation are less likely to impact negatively on bone health.”
The progressive bone loss in RA has a number of causes. The development of chronic inflammation impacts the immune system, and this leads to signs and symptoms that may enhance bone loss. Anorexia, malnutrition, muscle wasting, cachexia, and depression are directly or indirectly related to chronic inflammation. Decreased functional capacity and lack of exercise associated with joint pain and deformities further contribute to progressive bone loss. Most importantly, the use of corticosteroids during RA treatment, even a dose of prednisone as small as 5 mg/day or equivalent for more than three months, is associated with rapid and persistent loss of bone. One study has shown that continuous treatment with prednisone at 10 mg/day during 90 days or more increased the risk of vertebral fractures 17-fold and hip fractures seven-fold.
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Combating Counterfeit Drugs
Many older adults, unable to afford necessary medications, access unregulated drug suppliers that provide impure or unsafe drugs to unsuspecting patients. Read more »
Cognitive Training to Oppugn Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
A comprehensive group of challenging activities targeting reaction time, visual spatial acuity, attention and concentration, memory, language, and problem-solving has met with success in improving communication and interaction among patients with Alzheimer's disease. Read more »
Nutrition for Arterial Health
Many factors contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, but a nutritious dietary pattern can help maintain a clear, flexible, healthy circulatory system. Read more » |
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Why Are Urinary Tract Infections
Such a Big Deal for the Elderly?
Urinary tract infections are ominous for elderly patients, often resulting in hospitalization, according to an article in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
For Seniors, Teeth Need Care —
But Insurance Coverage Is Rare
Although many older adults need dental care, Medicare doesn’t cover such care and many are unable to afford the dental procedures they require, according to Kaiser Health News.
Failing the Frail
Understaffing threatens the well-being of many elderly adults who reside in nursing homes and are dependent on others for their care, according to an article in the Harrisburg Patriot News.
The Decline of Tube Feeding
for Dementia Patients
The rate of feeding tube use for dementia patients continues to decline, according to an article in The New York Times. |
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The Big Easy Provides New Lens on Aging
By Barbara Worthington
The Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting, hosted by the New Orleans Marriott and Sheraton Hotels, featured presentations abounding with information on aging-related research, issues, and concerns. The meeting’s theme, “New Lens on Aging: Changing Attitudes, Expanding Possibilities,” included scientific sessions, interest group meetings, poster sessions, and mentoring sessions.
More than 4,000 attendees populated the many scientific sessions on health policy, social issues, the geriatric workforce, cultural and diversity concerns, physical activity, mobility, caregiving, long term care, nutrition, frailty, technology, and environmental influences on aging. Additionally, numerous sessions focused on a multitude of medical and biological issues, such as enhancing cognitive performance, cardiovascular diseases, chronic health disorders, and neurodegenerative disease.
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