Could Anxiety Affect Bone Health?

Many older adult women are concerned about keeping their bones healthy, and rightfully so. Poor bone health could lead to osteoporosis, fractures, and disability. Keeping bones strong is extremely important since research shows that one out of five people with hip fractures die within a year. There are many factors that can impact bone health. Recently, researchers discovered a new factor—anxiety. A new study shows that people with anxiety may be at higher risk for poor bone health.

Anxiety’s Link to Bone Health

The new study involved 200 women who had gone through menopause. The researchers looked at data from patients at a single osteoporosis clinic. Each of the participants had an extensive health screening that looked at several things, including:

Prior history of bone breaks.

• Arthritis diagnoses.
• Heart health.
• Lung health.
• Whether they smoked or drank alcohol.
• Bone density exam results.

In addition to a comprehensive health screening and exam, the women also provided information about their mental health.

The results of the study showed that women with higher levels of anxiety also had a higher risk of bone fractures. They found that having more anxiety gave women a 4 percent higher chance of suffering a serious bone break within 10 years and a 3 percent higher risk for a hip fracture.

The results of the study suggest that doctors should pay more attention to the bone health of women who have anxiety.

Recognizing Anxiety in Older Adults

Everyone worries sometimes, but anxiety is more than that. However, it can be difficult to spot at times. Recognizing that your elderly mother suffers from anxiety can help you to get treatment for her and may also help you to protect her bone health.

There are many different kinds of anxiety disorders, but the most common kind is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). About 7 percent of older adults struggle with GAD. Some symptoms of GAD are:

• Worrying or being afraid excessively.
• Staying away from social situations.
• Being too concerned about safety.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Refusing to engage in usual routines or being obsessed with a routine.
• Hoarding or collecting items.
• Depression.
• Using alcohol or other substances to deal with their symptoms.

If your parent suffers from anxiety, home care can help them to deal with the symptoms. Having a home care provider may quell some of the fears they have about safety and health. A home care provider can remind them to take medications prescribed by the doctor to treat anxiety symptoms. A home care provider can also monitor symptoms and report new ones to family caregivers.

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/news/20180517/anxiety-might-get-into-womens-bones#1
http://www.aagponline.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=anxiety
https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/news/20060522/anxiety-missed-elderly#1
https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/SGR/surgeon-generals-report

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Perth Amboy, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care of New Brunswick today. Call (732) 607-8870.