Osteoporosis Treatments?

Gthoma · June 27

Anyone have experience with osteoporosis treatments (pill vs shot vs IV) for women with dementia? Wondering what experience you had, how well they tolerated treatment, etc. I’m not asking about the side effects. Rather, for example, if you did the IV was it a big deal doing the prep, sitting still long enough for the infusion, etc.?

Has anyone decided to pass on treatment for osteoporosis? If so, why?

Thanks.

Quilting brings calm · June 27

I can’t speak to the dementia or the IV… but I take a monthly tablet myself. All you would have to do is make sure she takes it first thing in the morning, doesn’t eat or drink anything but water for an hour and that she sits or stands for that hour.

jsps139_ · June 28

My Dr wants me to take a pill for osteoporosis. I read many reviews and was very nervous about taking these meds. I asked my dentist last week if he had any patients that had problems with their jaw bones and loose teeth due to their osteoporosis medications. He told me in the 15 years that he’s been practicing, he has only had 3 patients with jaw bone problems due to the meds and all three were on the IVs. He suggested that I stay away from the IVs. But, he said the risk for any side effects from the pills is very very low.
I know you weren’t asking about side effects, but I couldn’t help but share what I just learned.
I think the easiest med for someone with dementia would be the pills.
Osteoporosis can be very painful if fractures occur, so I think I would give a LO the meds. How awful that pain would be in the late stages of Alzheimer’s.
I’m interested in hearing the advice from others.

M1 · June 28

Even the pills (Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva) are not benign. They can have serious heartburn and generalized joint pain as side effects- could your loved one with dementia recognize and report those? The generalized joint pain is also a side effect of the subcutaneous (Forteo Evenity) and IV meds (Reclast, Prolia),and the IV meds also carry a significant risk of cardiac arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation). Evenity carries other vascular risks. All of them also require additional daily supplements with calcium and vitamin D to be effective.

It would depend on the stage of dementia, but i wouldn't do it in stage 4 or more advanced.

Gthoma · June 28

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/214064#Comment_214064

Thank you!

Gthoma · June 28

Thank you.

terei · June 28

All I can do is recommend you read as much as possible about osteoporosis, how it’s diagnosed + treatment side effects. Meds were recommended to me 12 years ago + I declined, after research. I stay active, do PT for improving balance, stretch, weights, etc

I refuse to take more bone density tests since I will not take meds in any case.

HollyBerry · June 28

I love this group! My partner recently broke her wrist and as a result of the bone scan, we now have an upcoming appointment to talk about osteoporosis. Her mother had it, seriously badly, and did not tolerate the meds 15 years ago. I'm hoping the latest generation of meds is better tolerated and had some of these same questions about what's the best approach. I'm trying to learn as much as I can up front and go in with an open mind. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Quilting brings calm · June 28

@HollyBerry . As I said above, taking the generic Boniva monthly is really simple. I’ve been taking it for over 2 years. I haven’t noticed any side effects. Just annoyance at having to delay my coffee. I suffered two back compressed fractures in 3 months, which led to the bone scan and the diagnosis. It was very clear that I had it.

Denise1847 · June 28

I took the Reclast IV 3 years in a row with only a slight improvement in my bone scan. I have had a back fracture so I was hoping it would help. I haven't had any side effects but given it did help much, I probably wouldn't do it again. The IV is for people with sensitive stomachs and GERD.

Osteoporosis Treatments?

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