Bone health is important to everyone, but especially for people with Parkinson’s due to PD weakening bones and make them more likely to break. Osteoporosis is a condition that lessens bone density, and the bones become weak and fragile. People with Parkinson’s are more than twice as likely of being diagnosed with osteoporosis.

It is important for people with PD to have their bone health checked and to get a bone scan.

Things to do that may help your Bone Health:

• Physical activity and exercise is good for bone health. It will also help with balance and other PD symptoms.
• Diet, particularly sources of calcium (milk and dairy products) are important for bone health. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. Most of the vitamin D you need comes from the effect of sunlight on your skin but you can eat vitamin D-high food, such as oily fish (such as salmon and mackerel), red meat and eggs. 
• Your doctor may advise for you to take supplements in Vitamin D and calcium, and may prescribe medication to make more calcium enter the bones.
• Please always speak to a health professional before changing your diet or exercise routine.

Treatment for Osteoporosis:

• New Atlas, 2nd February 2025, ‘”Injectable Bone” gel may be a radically better treatment for osteoporosis’: “Injectable bone” gel may be a radically better treatment for osteoporosis

Sources and other helpful links:

• Parkinson’s UK, Bone Health and Parkinson’s
• American Parkinson’s Disease Association, The Importance of Bone Health and Parkinson’s Disease
• Stanford PD Community Blog, Bone health and Parkinson’s disease