Louisiana Osteoporosis Study recruiting participants

The Division of Biomedical Informatics and Geonomics at Tulane University School of Medicine is working to better understand how osteoporosis affects people in southeast Louisiana. The study aims to recruit 20,000 people in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Scientists want to build a large sample pool and database for the research of identifying risk factors for osteoporosis, including genes and their functions and environmental factors.

Osteoporosis is a condition that thins and weakens bones. Researchers know certain risk factors can make a person more likely to develop the disease including their age, dietary and exercise habits and family history of osteoporosis. The Tulane scientists hope to better understand how genes play a role in the condition. By analyzing genetic information and bone density, researchers can better understand the mechanism of osteoporosis, which can lead to better prevention, diagnoses and treatment.

Study participants will undergo free bone density test that estimates their fracture risk and receive helpful information about their body composition. Participants will also get a $25 gift card for their time and transportation to the downtown clinic.

To register for the free Louisiana Osteoporosis Study, click here.