Osteosarcopenia - Preventing falls and fractures in older persons University of Melbourne

Overview

What you will study

Osteoporosis is a condition characterised by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality, which leads to brittle and weak bones and increases the risk of fracture, particularly of the hip, spine and wrist. Sarcopenia is the progressive and generalised loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength or function. Both conditions share common risk factors and biological pathways, and are associated with significant physical disability, poor quality of life, and higher morbidity and mortality. Osteosarcopenia, a combination of osteoporosis and sarcopenia, is where individuals experience a synchronic loss of BMD and muscle mass, strength, and function which represents a huge threat to a loss of independence. The Osteosarcopenia - Preventing falls and fractures in older persons course offered by University of Melbourne will discuss this subject.

Knowledge and Skills

The course provides knowledge and skills, readily assimilated into daily clinical practice, on:

• Bone and muscle biology
• Pathophysiology of osteoporosis and sarcopenia
• Risk factors and clinical assessment
• Diagnostic methods
• Treatment options for osteoporosis, sarcopenia and osteosarcopenia.