Bone Disease in Elderly Individuals With CKD

Bone disease can lead to significant morbidity and mortality for those who are afflicted by it, irrespective of etiology. Two very prevalent causes of bone disease that contribute to this are osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The modern era has seen important advances in the understanding and management of these processes, but in elderly patients with CKD it remains a complex issue that has yet to be clearly defined. Changes in mineral metabolism that accompany the loss of renal function result in a spectrum of bone disease that occurs concomitantly with bone loss secondary to aging. As such, the traditional paradigms used to manage bone disease may not be appropriate for these patients. With the aging dialysis population, a better understanding of these 2 processes and their interplay deserves more attention.