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Toward a definition of sarcopenia
Tommy E Cederholm1, Juergen M Bauer, Yves Boirie
1Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala Science Park, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg, Sweden. tommy.cederholm@pubcare.uu.se
Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|August 10, 2011
Summary
Sarcopenia, an age-related condition characterized by low muscle mass and function, is defined by consensus. Contributing factors include aging, disease, inactivity, and poor nutrition, impacting clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Muscle Physiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Sarcopenia's definition and clinical applicability are under active scientific discussion.
- Recent consensus processes aim to standardize sarcopenia diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the pooled consensus on the definition of sarcopenia.
- To highlight contributing factors and potential etiologic pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of findings from 3 of 5 recent consensus processes.
- Analysis of contributing factors and the relationship with cachexia.
Main Results:
- Consensus defines sarcopenia as primarily age-related, involving reduced muscle mass and function.
- Key contributing factors identified: senescence, chronic disease, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition.
- Cachexia is recognized as a potential pathway for accelerated sarcopenia.
Conclusions:
- The refined definition enhances the clinical utility of the sarcopenia concept.
- Standardized definitions are crucial for consistent diagnosis and management.
- Understanding contributing factors aids in developing targeted interventions.
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