Approach to sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is the progressive generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. It occurs as a consequence of aging and accepted as a geriatric syndrome, but sarcopenia can occur in younger patients in conditions like immobility, malnutrition and cachexia. Usually physical inactivity, decrease in mobility, slow walking and weak physical resistance accompany with sarcopenia. Multiple factors appear to be involved in the development of sarcopenia including the loss of muscle mass and muscle fibers, increased inflammation, altered hormonal levels, poor nutritional status, and altered renin-angiotensin system. For diagnosis of sarcopenia, measurement of muscle mass, strength and function is needed. The lack of common diagnostic criteria to identify patients with sarcopenia hinders potential management options. To date, pharmacological interventions have shown limited efficacy in counteracting the effects of sarcopenia. Exercise and physical activity, nutritional support treatments, hormonal interventions, and new pharmacological treatments are most widely accepted and studied approaches in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.