Final answer:
A diagnosed case of osteopenia indicates decreased bone density and is associated with decreased osteoblast activity and is common in individuals over 40 years of age. Contrary to the provided statement, women typically lose bone mass more rapidly than men, especially after menopause due to decreases in estrogen. The prevention of osteoporosis includes a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, along with weight-bearing exercise.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient is diagnosed with osteopenia, which is a precursor to osteoporosis and is characterized by lower bone density. Regarding the statements provided:
- Osteoblast activity has decreased.
- The patient is probably over 40 years old.
It is true that osteoblast activity tends to decrease with age, impacting new bone formation and leading to conditions such as osteopenia and osteoporosis. While osteopenia and osteoporosis are more common as people age and can be linked to hormonal changes such as the reduction in estrogen, which is crucial for osteoblastic activity, the statement that males lose more bone mass than females of the same age is not supported by the references. In fact, females generally lose bone mass more quickly than males starting at about 50 years old, often related to menopause and the decrease in estrogen production.
Other factors that contribute to reduced bone density include genetic predisposition, calcium and vitamin D intake, and lifestyle choices such as weight-bearing exercise. The best approach to prevent osteoporosis is to optimize bone mass before the age of 30 with proper nutrition and regular exercise.