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Sarcopenia and frailty: new challenges for clinical practice
Richard Dodds1, Avan Aihie Sayer2
1Academic Geriatric Medicine, MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton UK;
Clinical Medicine (London, England)
|December 5, 2015
Summary
Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) and frailty increase with age, sharing physical symptoms like low muscle mass. Interventions include exercise, medicines, and supplements, with life-course approaches for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Ageing Research
- Muscle Physiology and Health
- Clinical Geriatrics
Background:
- Sarcopenia and frailty are prevalent age-related conditions.
- Both involve loss of muscle mass and function, increasing vulnerability.
- Significant overlap exists, particularly in physical frailty phenotypes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current understanding of sarcopenia and frailty.
- To highlight the clinical assessment of related physical measures.
- To review current and emerging intervention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of sarcopenia and frailty.
- Analysis of physical assessment measures (grip strength, gait speed).
- Overview of intervention evidence (exercise, pharmacological, supplements).
Main Results:
- Sarcopenia and frailty share key physical indicators.
- Resistance exercise shows benefits but feasibility varies.
- Ongoing research into pharmaceutical and supplement interventions.
Conclusions:
- Sarcopenia and frailty are critical ageing concerns.
- Clinical assessment of physical function is vital.
- A multi-faceted approach including life-course aetiology is needed for prevention and management.
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