Sarcopenia: A Rheumatic Disease?

Sarcopenia refers to the age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function. With an increase in the number and proportion of elderly in the population, sarcopenia is a growing global health concern due to its impact on morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditure. Despite its clinical importance, sarcopenia remains underrecognized and poorly managed in routine clinical practice. This is, in part, due to a lack of available diagnostic testing and uniform diagnostic criteria. This article provides the general practitioner or rheumatologist an overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this complex and critical entity.