From the Guidelines
Sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment involve a multifaceted approach, focusing on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
Diagnosis
- Diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia include loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, which can be estimated using techniques such as dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bio-electric impedance analysis (BIA), or computed tomography (CT) scanning 1.
- Reduced muscle mass can be indicated by an appendicular skeletal muscle mass index <7.26 kg/m2 (men) and <5.5 kg/m2 (women) 1.
- Practical diagnostic cut-offs for gait speed are considered to be: <0.8 m/s or <1.0 m/s, and reduced muscle strength may be measured by handgrip strength, with suggested cut-off points of <20 kg for women and <30 kg for men 1.
Treatment
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in preventing or delaying the onset of sarcopenia, with adequate protein intake, particularly from high-quality sources, being essential for maintaining muscle mass and function 1.
- Exercise programs, including aerobic, weight-bearing, and resistance training, can help manage frailty and sarcopenia in older adults with diabetes 1.
- Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may also help prevent or slow down sarcopenia, with studies showing improved muscle mass, strength, and function in older adults who consume these nutrients 1.
- A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods can also support muscle health and overall well-being in older adults 1.
- Lifestyle modifications, such as regular physical activity and social engagement, can also help prevent or delay the onset of sarcopenia and frailty 1.
From the Research
Diagnosis of Sarcopenia
- Sarcopenia is characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, significantly impacting overall health and quality of life in older adults 2
- The condition involves quantitative and qualitative losses of skeletal muscle, which should be considered when designing and testing preventive and therapeutic interventions 3
- Sarcopenia can be diagnosed using various methods, including screening and diagnostic tools, such as calf circumference measurement, the SARC-F questionnaire, handgrip strength, and the 5-time chair stand test 4
Treatment of Sarcopenia
- Resistance training and adequate protein intake remain the cornerstone of sarcopenia management 2
- Emerging strategies include targeting muscle regeneration through myosatellite cell activation, signaling pathways, and chronic inflammation control, as well as gene editing, stem cell therapy, and microRNA modulation 2
- Nutritional strategies, such as leucine supplementation and anti-inflammatory nutrients, along with dietary modifications and probiotics targeting the muscle-microbiome interplay, are discussed as potential treatment options 2, 4
- Exercise and nutrition are essential for sarcopenia management, with a focus on progressive resistance training and increased protein intake 4
- Many guidelines recommend that older people should consume at least 1.2 g of proteins/kg/d, and that leucine, a branched-chain amino acid, is essential for protein synthesis in muscle 4
Lifestyle Interventions
- Lifestyle interventions, including physical activity and nutrition, are recommended for the management of sarcopenia 4
- Structured physical activities, such as progressive resistance training and aerobic activities, can prevent muscle loss and improve muscle performance 5
- Hydration and muscle-water balance are emphasized as critical in maintaining muscle health in older adults 2
- Education on the need to increase protein intake and engage in regular physical activity is essential for older adults with sarcopenia 4