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Understanding sarcopenia as a geriatric syndrome
Alfonso J Cruz-Jentoft1, Francesco Landi, Eva Topinková
1Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain. acruz.hrc@salud.madrid.org
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|November 17, 2009
Summary
Sarcopenia, a condition affecting over 50% of those over 80, is now recognized as a geriatric syndrome, not just an age-related disease. This reclassification aids in managing risk factors and understanding its links to frailty and mortality.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in individuals over 65, leading to functional decline and poor outcomes.
- Its pathophysiology and precise diagnostic markers remain unclear.
- Over 50% of individuals over 80 are affected by this condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on sarcopenia.
- To challenge the classification of sarcopenia as solely an age-related disease.
- To propose sarcopenia be considered a geriatric syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current sarcopenia research.
- Analysis of the definition and characteristics of geriatric syndromes.
- Synthesis of evidence linking sarcopenia to aging, genetics, lifestyle, environment, and chronic diseases.
Main Results:
- Sarcopenia is affirmed as a geriatric syndrome, not merely an age-related disease.
- Multiple causal factors contribute to sarcopenia, including aging, genetics, lifestyle, and chronic illnesses.
- Sarcopenia is associated with adverse outcomes like mobility disorders, disability, reduced quality of life, and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Classifying sarcopenia as a geriatric syndrome facilitates its recognition and risk factor assessment.
- This classification supports a clinical and public health approach to managing sarcopenic individuals and at-risk populations.
- Understanding sarcopenia as a geriatric syndrome helps clarify its relationship with frailty, disability, and mortality.
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