Bone Health

Healthy bones are strong and less likely to break, even if you have a fall. Bone health is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for people with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, where the risk of osteoporosis (weakened bones) can be higher.

The good news is that it’s never too early - or too late - to take steps to protect your bones.

Many different things can affect the strength of your bones. Understanding these factors can help you make small changes that support long-term bone health.

What can affect bone health?

Smoking reduces the blood supply to your bones and muscles, slows healing, and weakens bones over time. It also affects how well your body absorbs calcium.

If you would like to give up smoking, support is available:

Feel Good Suffolk

Smoke Free Norfolk

Health & Wellbeing - Smoking

Regularly drinking more than recommended amounts can reduce bone strength and increase the risk of falls.

If you are concerned about the amount of alcohol you are drinking, support is available from Change Grow Live.

Health & Wellbeing - Alcohol

Your genetic makeup can influence how strong your bones are. Some people are naturally more at risk of osteoporosis.

Long-term use of steroids can weaken bones. If you take steroid tablets, your healthcare team may monitor your bone health more closely.

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis after the menopause because oestrogen levels drop. Oestrogen helps protect bone strength, so lower levels can make bones more fragile.

Exercises that make you support your body weight - such as walking, standing, or gentle strength work - help keep bones strong. A physiotherapist can help you choose safe exercises.

Your bones need calcium and vitamin D to stay strong.

Calcium is found in dairy foods (milk, cheese, yoghurt) and non-dairy sources such as broccoli, spinach, leafy greens, nuts, and pulses.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Most vitamin D comes from sunlight. Around 20 minutes of daylight exposure a day is enough for most people in spring/summer. In winter, or if you rarely go outside, you may need a supplement; your GP or pharmacist can advise you more about this.

Some medical conditions and treatments can affect how well your body absorbs calcium and vitamin D. If you have a long-term condition or take regular medications, your bone health may need closer monitoring.

Health & Wellbeing - Diet & Nutrition

Why bone health matters in Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions

Conditions like Parkinson’s can increase the risk of thinning bones and falls, making it especially important to look after bone strength. By improving your bone health, you reduce the chance of fractures and keep yourself safer and more independent.

Understanding your bone health risk

To understand your risk, we may ask a few simple questions about your lifestyle, medical history, and any falls you’ve had. This helps the team decide whether you may need further checks with your GP, such as blood tests or a bone density (DEXA) scan.

Want to know more?

The Royal Osteoporosis Society has lots more information about bone health, along with an online risk checker.

Online Risk Checker

Remember!

Bone health is an important part of overall wellbeing. Many factors that affect bones can be identified early, and there are effective ways to reduce the risk of fractures.

If you have a long-term condition, take regular medications, or have concerns about your bone health, you can speak to the team for advice and support.