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Possible sarcopenia: early screening and intervention-narrative review
Wen-Qing Xie1, Ge-Lei Xiao2, Pei-Wu Hu3
1Deparment of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Annals of Palliative Medicine
|November 13, 2020
Summary
Early screening for possible sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) can improve detection and quality of life for older adults. This review examines practical methods for identifying and intervening in sarcopenia to reduce its harmful effects.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Sarcopenia, a geriatric syndrome, is increasingly prevalent due to global population aging.
- It is a significant risk factor for weakness, disability, and mortality in the elderly, leading to substantial healthcare costs.
- Current diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia are comprehensive but impractical for large-scale screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for early screening of potential sarcopenia in older adults.
- To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various screening and intervention strategies.
- To identify reliable and practical approaches for early detection and management of sarcopenia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of sarcopenia screening tools and intervention strategies.
- Analysis of the feasibility and effectiveness of different diagnostic approaches.
- Evaluation of methods for large-scale population surveys and clinical application.
Main Results:
- Existing sarcopenia diagnostic methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, limiting their use in widespread screening.
- Early identification through practical screening can improve detection rates and allow for timely interventions.
- Effective screening and intervention can mitigate the adverse health consequences of sarcopenia.
Conclusions:
- Developing practical and reliable early screening methods for sarcopenia is crucial.
- Timely intervention based on early screening can prevent disease progression and enhance the quality of life for older adults.
- Further research into efficient screening and intervention protocols is warranted to address the growing public health challenge of sarcopenia.
