Modern society is altering the lifestyle and longevity of its members
much more quickly than evolutionary adaptation to these changes can take
place. The problem of calcium deficiency in the population is compounded
by the growing percentage of aged individuals with relatively fragile,
less massive skeletons. Current-day civilizations are much more
effective in prolonging human life in a state of relative debility than
even a few decades ago. This reality is unlikely to change and mandates
that we develop strategies to prevent aging-related diseases like
osteoporosis before they become manifest.
Osteoporosis: Genetics, Prevention and Treatment places emphasis on
the (1) genetic predisposition, (2) early recognition and (3) prevention
of osteoporosis. The intent is not to move the practitioner's attention
away from intervention therapy of osteoporosis, but rather to expand
their view of this disease as one beginning at birth and one in which
susceptibility is manifest at the conclusion of adolescence, not at
menopause. The book concludes with an informed view of the future in
terms of the recognition, prevention and management of osteoporosis.