Abstract
Sarcopenia (muscle insufficiency) is a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and function that increases the risk of adverse outcomes, including physical disability, falls, and death. It can be chronic or acute.
Pathophysiology of sarcopenia is complex, involving both the muscle and its neural and hormonal regulation.
Sarcopenia is more frequent as age advances. Case finding in clinical practice can be done by validated screening instruments or by measuring gait speed in all persons over 65 years old. The diagnosis of sarcopenia relies on documentation of low muscle mass plus either low muscle strength and/or low physical performance. Once confirmed, a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is needed to identify underlying causes.
Prevention of sarcopenia should start in adult age and relies on maintaining a high level of physical activity, resistance exercise, and proper nutrition. Treatment of sarcopenia starts with the identification and management of underlying causes. Proper nutrition (specially reaching target protein requirements of 1.2–1.5 g/kg body weight/day) and resistance exercise training are the cornerstones of treatment. No drug has yet been approved for this condition.
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Cruz-Jentoft, A.J., Montero-Errasquín, B. (2018). Sarcopenia. In: Roller-Wirnsberger, R., Singler, K., Polidori, M. (eds) Learning Geriatric Medicine. Practical Issues in Geriatrics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-61997-2_10
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