Men have same bone density risk as women, but screened less
VA Research News Briefs

Photo: ©iStock/Fertnig
(08/27/2025)
Researchers from the VA Geriatric Research Center in Durham, North Carolina, learned older men had similar rates of bone density loss as women, with more than half of men screened having low bone mineral density. The study randomized 3,100 male Veterans between 65 and 85 between a bone health service (BHS) model and usual care. Of those in usual care, only 2% were screened, compared to nearly half of those in BHS. Osteoporosis screening is a common practice in older women, but men are usually only screened after they break a bone. The study also found almost 85% of the patients with low bone density closely adhered to treatment directives delivered via phone calls, resulting in measurable improvements. The findings show screening older men for osteoporosis at similar rates to older women could improve health and prevent fractures. (JAMA Internal Medicine, Aug. 25, 2025)