Treating sarcopenia in older and oldest old.

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Nutritional Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Sarcopenia, age-related muscle loss, is increasingly prevalent in geriatrics and other medical fields.
• Effective treatment strategies for sarcopenia are urgently needed.
• Current research highlights exercise and nutrition as primary interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence on physical exercise protocols for sarcopenia.
• To evaluate the impact of specific nutritional interventions on sarcopenia.
• To explore novel metabolic agents for treating sarcopenia in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on exercise and nutritional interventions for sarcopenia.
• Analysis of studies on resistance training and aerobic exercise benefits.
• Examination of protein supplementation, amino acids, and vitamin D's role.

Main Results:

• Resistance training significantly improves muscle mass and strength, potentially via enhanced protein synthesis.
• Aerobic exercise demonstrates benefits by improving insulin sensitivity.
• Nutritional interventions, including increased protein intake (>1.0g/kg/day) and supplements like leucine and HMB, aid skeletal muscle protein balance.

Conclusions:

• Exercise programs, particularly resistance training, are the most effective interventions for sarcopenia.
• Persistent, long-term exercise combined with nutritional correction is recommended for elders at risk of muscle loss.
• Supplementation with specific nutrients and agents like HMB, creatine, and vitamin D should be considered alongside exercise.