Comprehensive approach to sarcopenia treatment.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Muscle Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, leading to adverse outcomes like disability and mortality.
• It can be primary (age-related) or secondary (due to activity, disease, or nutrition).
• The etiology in the elderly is often multi-factorial, complicated by disuse syndrome and deconditioning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical therapies for counteracting primary sarcopenia.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of various interventions for age-related muscle wasting and weakness.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review focusing on human studies.
• Summarized pharmaceutical therapies including testosterone, growth hormone, vitamin D, and others.
• Included non-pharmaceutical therapies like resistance training, protein/amino acid supplementation, and smoking cessation.

Main Results:

• Testosterone and growth hormone improve muscle mass and strength but have side effects.
• Resistance training combined with amino acid supplements are most effective for age-related sarcopenia.
• A comprehensive approach enhances pharmaceutical therapy effects.

Conclusions:

• Resistance training and amino acid supplementation are key for preventing and treating sarcopenia.
• A multi-faceted treatment strategy including exercise, nutrition, and management of chronic conditions is crucial.
• Future research should integrate non-pharmaceutical approaches and consider sarcopenia's diverse causes.