Osteoporosis Updates Seminar: Advancing Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Dr . Bagher Larijani, President of the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute and a professor at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, addressed the challenges posed by osteoporosis during the opening ceremony of the seminar on osteoporosis updates. Describing osteoporosis as a silent and chronic disease, he emphasized its significant impact on the elderly population.

“One of the most critical challenges is the occurrence of fractures caused by osteoporosis, which severely threatens the health and independence of affected individuals,” Dr. Larijani stated. He highlighted findings from a 2022 multi-center study on osteoporosis in Iran, revealing that over 60% of women and 30% of men aged 65 and older suffer from the condition.

With Iran's aging population, Dr. Larijani predicted a rise in osteoporosis cases in the coming years. Referring to a meta-analysis of fracture incidence in elderly Iranians, he noted, “Fractures lead to dependency, a decline in quality of life, and, in severe cases, death.”

Dr. Larijani underscored the asymptomatic nature of osteoporosis, explaining that many patients are unaware of their condition until a fracture occurs. “Even after the first fracture, osteoporosis often goes undiagnosed, and appropriate treatment is not initiated, even in developed countries. This underscores the need for raising patient awareness and educating physicians to prioritize early diagnosis and treatment,” he remarked.

The seminar provided updates on the latest advancements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis. Leading experts in the field presented recent scientific findings and engaged with participants in Q&A sessions, fostering a collaborative and educational environment.