“The burden of osteoporosis is rising as the global population ages rapidly,” said Gianina Flocco, M.D., a resident at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. “Our study supports the initiation of osteoporosis treatment after fracture in adults over 80, as it has been shown to decrease both hospitalization and mortality.”

In Dr. Flocco’s study, residents aged 80 and older who suffered a fracture due to bone deterioration or weakness were followed for five years after the initial fracture. The treatment group—treated with bisphosphonates, denosumab, raloxifene, or teriparatide—experienced a lower risk of hospitalization and lower all-cause mortality. This is really significant! According to McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, osteoporosis treatment was directly linked to lower death rates in patients older than 80, and the Endocrine Society reinforced the finding that treatment provides measurable benefits in this age group.

Look at how many of your residents are over the age of 80 and experiencing joint pain, immobility, or poor dietary intake. Then do a pharmacy review to see how many of these residents are currently being treated for osteoporosis. It may surprise you that many should be treated and aren’t. Remember the “9 or more meds” rule? When that became a focus, many physicians, in conjunction with pharmacy, discontinued medications they felt were not necessary. Were calcium supplements on that list? How about other osteoporosis medications mentioned above? Think about it—the jury was out on whether these medications were beneficial until now.

Remember, first do no harm. Bring this information to your next QAPI meeting, discuss the findings, and determine if there is room for improvement. It can’t hurt—but it could! Evidence now clearly supports osteoporosis treatment after fracture in adults over 80, and this may be the push communities need to take a fresh look at resident care plans and medication reviews.

Stay well and stay informed!