Emerging Treatments for Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia is a medical condition characterized by the erosion of muscle mass and strength with ageing. It is a natural part of the ageing process, and it can begin as early as the age of 30, although it typically becomes more significant in people over 50.
- Sarcopenia can diminish physical function, increase the risk of falls and fractures, and disturb the quality of life.
- It can also contribute to other health problems, like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- The natural ageing process causes sarcopenia, the progressive diminishing of muscle mass and strength.
- The condition primarily manifests as muscle weakness.
- Scientists believe inactivity and an unhealthy diet can contribute to the disease.
- Sarcopenia impacts the musculoskeletal system and significantly contributes to increased frailty, falls, and fractures, ultimately resulting in hospital stays and surgeries that increase complications, including death.
- Sarcopenia can affect individuals with a high body mass index (BMI), leading to sarcopenic obesity, which poses an even greater risk of complications than obesity or sarcopenia alone.
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| Senior couple walking after Sarcopenia treatment |
The causes of sarcopenia are not fully understood, but they are multifactorial and include factors such as decreased physical activity, hormonal changes, and changes in protein metabolism. Treatment typically involves a combination of resistance exercise, nutrition, and, in some cases, medication.
How does sarcopenia affect my body?
- Age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength
- Increased probability of physical frailty
- Reduced physical function and mobility
- Higher chance of falls and fractures
- Higher chance of hospital stay and surgery
- Weaker immune system and slower healing
- Greater Vulnerability to chronic diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
- Reduced quality of life and independence.
What are the symptoms of sarcopenia?
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Decreased physical performance and endurance
- Loss of muscle tone and definition
- Increased fatigue and weakness
- Difficulty performing everyday activities, such as climbing stairs or lifting objects
- Reduced balance and stability
- Higher risk of falls and fractures
- Slower walking speed
- Weaker grip strength
- Reduced metabolism and increased body fat percentage.
Some factors that contribute to the development of sarcopenia:
- Natural ageing process
- Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
- Poor nutrition and inadequate protein intake
- Hormonal changes, such as a decrease in testosterone and growth hormone
- Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress
- Chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Prolonged bed rest.
- Medications, such as corticosteroids and some chemotherapy drugs.
Doctors diagnose sarcopenia by using a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various tests, include
- Muscle strength tests, like grip strength, knee extension strength, and chair stand tests.
- Muscle mass measurements, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Gait speed measurements measure how quickly a person can walk a certain distance.
- Doctors use physical performance tests, like the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) or the Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests which confirm the diagnosis.
- Blood tests to assess muscle function, inflammation, and nutritional status.
Surgeons diagnose sarcopenia when a person has reduced muscle mass and strength, with decreased physical performance or function. Consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Primarily Geriatricians, Physical therapists, exercise physiologists, Orthopedic surgeons and Endocrinologists can treat sarcopenia.
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| Sarcopenia: Strategies to Prevent Muscle Loss During Aging |
What is SARC-F in sarcopenia diagnosis?
SARC-F is a diagnostic tool used to screen for sarcopenia in older adults. It is a simple questionnaire of five questions, with each question representing a different aspect of sarcopenia.
The questions are:
- Strength: Do you have difficulty rising from a chair or a bed?
- Assistance with walking: Do you need help with walking?
- Rise from a chair: Do you need to use your arms to rise from a chair?
- Climb stairs, Do you have difficulty climbing ten stairs without resting?
- Falls: Have you fallen in the last year?
The SARC-F questionnaire takes only a few minutes to complete and can help healthcare professionals identify individuals at risk for sarcopenia. If a person scores high on the SARC-F questionnaire, additional testing, then doctors recommend confirming a diagnosis of sarcopenia. It is important to note that the SARC-F questionnaire is not a substitute for a thorough medical evaluation and diagnosis by a healthcare professional.
What tests are required to diagnose sarcopenia?
- Muscle strength tests, such as grip strength, knee extension strength, and chair stand tests
- Muscle mass measurements, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Gait speed measurements, which measure how quickly a person can walk a certain distance
- Physical performance tests, such as the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) or the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test
- Blood tests to assess muscle function, inflammation, and nutritional status.
The specific tests used to diagnose sarcopenia may vary depending on the healthcare professional and the individual's medical history and symptoms. Consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How is sarcopenia treated?
Health experts can treat sarcopenia through a mix of lifestyle modifications and medical interventions, depending on the severity of the condition. Here are some common treatments:
- Exercise: Regular exercise, particularly resistance training, can help build muscle mass and strength, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls.
- Nutrition: A diet high in protein and other essential nutrients can help support muscle health. Healthcare professionals may recommend supplements such as protein powders or creatine in specific cases.
- Medications: Healthcare professionals may prescribe medications in cases to help improve muscle strength or prevent bone loss in individuals with sarcopenia. Hormone replacement therapy may also be an option for some individuals.
- Fall prevention strategies: Individuals at risk of falling due to muscle weakness associated with sarcopenia may receive recommendations for fall prevention strategies, physical therapy, balance training, and modifications to their home environment.
- Management of underlying conditions: Addressing underlying conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or heart disease can help improve muscle function and prevent further muscle loss.
Consultation with a healthcare professional may develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses specific needs and goals.
How can I prevent sarcopenia?
There are several ways to prevent or delay the onset of sarcopenia, including:
- Regular exercise: Resistance exercises, such as weight lifting or bodyweight exercises, can help build and maintain muscle mass and strength. Health Experts may recommend performing resistance exercises at least two days per week, targeting all major muscle groups.
- Adequate protein intake: Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Aim for a diet rich in high-quality protein sources, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and legumes.
- Balanced diet: A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help provide the nutrients needed for optimal muscle health.
- Vitamin D and calcium: Adequate vitamin D and calcium are significant for maintaining bone density and muscle function. An individual can obtain these nutrients through a balanced diet or supplements.
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption: Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of muscle loss and weaken bone health.
- Manage underlying health conditions: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease can contribute to muscle loss. It is vital to manage these conditions with the help of a healthcare professional.
It is important to note that these preventative measures may not eliminate the risk of developing sarcopenia but can help to reduce the risk and delay the onset of the condition.
What are the recent updates about sarcopenia?
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle found that a combined resistance and aerobic exercise program indicate improvement in muscle mass, strength, and physical function in older adults with sarcopenia compared to either type of exercise alone.
- The development of new treatments: Several new treatments are available for sarcopenia, drugs that focus on muscle growth pathways. These drugs are called myostatin inhibitors and activin receptor type IIB blockers.
- Increased awareness and recognition: Sarcopenia is increasingly recognized as a crucial health issue, particularly as the global population continues to age.
Healthcare professionals are working on the importance of exercise and nutrition in sarcopenia treatment. It is important to note that research on sarcopenia is ongoing, and there may be new updates and developments.