Fact 2. The Prevalence of Paget’s Disease
Paget’s disease stands as the second most common bone disorder in adults over 50, with osteoporosis being the first. This fact itself is enough to highlight the prevalence and significance of this disease.
However, its distribution isn’t uniform globally. The condition is more frequently observed in people of European descent. It’s particularly prevalent in England, Scotland, Central Europe, and the Greek island of Zakynthos.
One interesting observation is that the incidence of Paget’s disease seems to be decreasing in some of these areas, including the UK. The reasons behind this decreasing trend aren’t clear, although some researchers propose that it could be related to a reduction in environmental triggers or changes in genetic factors over generations. Despite the apparent decrease, the sheer number of people affected by Paget’s disease necessitates concerted efforts in research and patient care to mitigate its impact.
The prevalence of Paget’s disease also seems to increase with age, indicating a higher risk for older adults. According to various studies, up to 1% of adults over 55 in the UK have Paget’s disease, and this proportion increases to about 5% in those over 80 years old. This correlation between age and the incidence of Paget’s disease underscores the need for increased awareness and early diagnosis, especially in older adults. (2)
