Sarcopenia (Muscle Loss): Symptoms & Causes (2024)

FAQs

Sarcopenia (Muscle Loss): Symptoms & Causes? ›

Sarcopenia is the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. The main symptom of the condition is muscle weakness. Sarcopenia is a type of muscle atrophy primarily caused by the natural aging process. Scientists believe being physically inactive and eating an unhealthy diet can contribute to the disease.

Although aging is the main cause of sarcopenia, other factors contribute to the loss of muscle mass. They include: Living a sedentary lifestyle: Getting little or no physical activity on a regular basis puts people at an increased risk of developing sarcopenia as they age.

Besides older age, inactivity, lack of exercise and poor nutrition also increase an individual's risk of sarcopenia. Symptoms of the condition include falling, muscle weakness, slow walking speed, muscle wasting and difficulty performing normal daily activities.

In sarcopenia skeletal muscle mass - the largest body organ - is failing in its function and the term "muscle failure" was suggested.

Nutritional therapy for sarcopenia that includes 20 g of whey protein and 800 IU of vitamin D twice a day improves lower limb strength. Exercise therapy for sarcopenia, such as resistance training and 6 months of home exercises, improves muscle strength and physical function.

Many consequences of sarcopenia are preventable or even reversible. Progressive resistance exercises can produce substantial increases in strength and muscle size, even in the oldest old.

Weight training.

Resistance exercise like weight training is one of the best ways of reversing the loss of muscle mass as you age. It benefits both men and women. Both groups typically lose muscle mass because levels of testosterone or estrogen go down as you age.

If you have muscle atrophy in your limbs, you may feel tingling, numbness or weakness in your arms and legs. If you have atrophied muscles in your face or throat, your facial muscles may start feeling weak and you may find it difficult to speak or swallow.

Studies have shown that people with sarcopenia tend to report higher rates of pain compared to non-sarcopenic populations. However, whether chronic pain increases the risk of sarcopenia, sarcopenia exacerbates pain, or there is an interaction between the two remains controversial.

Resistance training: Resistance training consists of a total of five exercises which include two lower body exercises with supine elastic band resistance leg lifts and standing elastic band resistance leg raises, and three upper body exercises, including bicep curls, reverse grip curl, and seated pull down.

What is the best supplement for sarcopenia? ›

Several nutrients, including creatine, vitamin D, and whey protein, have shown great promise in combating sarcopenia. Other nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, carnitine compounds, and the amino acid glutamine have biological effects that may be beneficial in promoting healthy muscle mass.

Sarcopenia is associated with faster progression of cardiovascular diseases and higher risk of mortality, falls, and reduced quality of life, particularly among older adults.

The pathogenesis of sarcopenia is multifactorial. The condition is related to a variety of chronic diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions, and metabolic endocrine diseases (3-5).

What are the symptoms of sarcopenia? Common symptoms include falls, muscle weakness, slow walking speed, and difficulty doing everyday tasks.

The average TLE at the age of 60 was 20.9 [95% CI: 20.2–21.5] years (22.1 [95% CI: 19.6–24.6] for non-sarcopenic older adults, 20.9 [95% CI: 19.5–22.3] for possible sarcopenic, and 18.7 [95% CI: 16.4–21.1] for sarcopenic).

When walking speed is kept constant, it not only maintains healthy body composition but also causes positive changes in muscle contractility, which can serve as a way to slow sarcopenia. Walking can improve the immunocyte function in the elderly by improved muscle contractility.

Vitamin D may be protective for muscle loss; a more alkalinogenic diet and diets higher in the anti-oxidant nutrients vitamin C and vitamin E may also prevent muscle loss.

Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef or pork are packed with high-quality protein. They provide the amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. Opt for grilled, baked, or broiled preparations to minimize unhealthy fats.

Whey protein is rich in leucine and effective to counteract sarcopenia as we described in a previous section [58]. Leucine content of protein and essential amino acids are important factors to attenuate sarcopenia although leucine only did not improve sarcopenia factors in older adults [29].