advances in bone disease
Pioneering research into the genetic basis of osteoporosis will be showcased in a public lecture this evening (Tuesday, May 7) at the University of Aberdeen. One in 3 women and one in 12 men will develop osteoporosis over the age of 50. Professor Stuart Ralston of the Bone Research Group at the University of Aberdeen Medical School will present an illustrated talk on osteoporosis and highlight some of the major advances that Aberdeen researchers have made in this area.
Members of the public are invited to the public lecture Breakthroughs in Osteoporosis: From Bench to Bedside and Back Again tonight at 6.30pm at the University of Aberdeen Medical School, Foresterhill. Professor Ralston said: "There are many reasons why people suffer from osteoporosis but genetic factors play an important role and account for up to 75% of the variation in bone density which is one of the most important signs of the disease." The talk will include details on the identification of new "genetic markers" for osteoporosis and how the drugs which doctors use to treat osteoporosis act on the skeleton to prevent bone loss.
Professor Ralston added: "Osteoporosis affects an estimated 3 million people in the UK and costs the NHS and Government £1.7 billion each year. Over the past 5 years we have seen major advances in understanding why osteoporosis occurs and how best to treat the disease. This knowledge can now be used to identify people at highest risk of osteoporosis and start them on appropriate treatment, so that we can reduce the burden of osteoporotic fractures in the community."
Professor Ralston's talk is the first in a comprehensive series of events presented by Aberdeen City Council and the University of Aberdeen to celebrate the visit of the Scottish Parliament to Aberdeen.