Sarcopenia: A review

Abstract

Primary sarcopenia is an age-related pathological condition characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. The typical age of onset is approximately 40 years, and the muscle loss rate accelerates with age. Its prognosis reflects and predicts the patient’s ability to perform daily activities independently. Although muscle mass decline can occur at any age in patients with acute or chronic diseases, sarcopenia is often associated with oxidative stress and can be a symptom of muscle dysfunction due to impaired immune function or the physiology of tissues and organs. Low muscle mass not only leads to weakness but also leads to metabolic functional differences due to impaired skeletal muscles. The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition considers sarcopenia an important indicator of aging, with low muscle mass being an indicator of malnutrition. This concept considers the skeletal muscle an endocrine organ that indicates nutrient availability in the body.

Keywords

• elderly; frailty; instrumental activities of daily living (iadls); nutritional status; sarcopenia