It is best to start with a low dose that minimizes side effects and then titrate upwards to a maximum dose over at least two months. Individual patient responses are highly varied and it is also unclear for how long a period of time these drugs continue to be beneficial. The decision to discontinue therapy is usually a subjective one made by the family and their physician when they either see progression of the disease or a lack of improvement. Disease modifying drugs are designed to delay the onset of the illness or stop the progression of the disease once it is established. Free radicals are not protestors just released from prison, but are the by-products of the normal metabolic process which can damage cell membranes and tissues.
Antioxidants work to prevent the damage done by free radicals.
The good news is that research is taking place at all levels of the disease and it is likely that effective treatments will help ease the potential burdens that lie ahead. New Evidence on Family Link to Osteoporosis Siblings of patients with osteoporosis are more likely to have low bone density.