SARCOPENIA IN PRIMARY CARE: SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Primary Care Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Sarcopenia, age-related muscle loss, significantly impacts older adults' quality of life and increases healthcare costs if undiagnosed.
• Early detection in primary care is essential for implementing preventive strategies against disabling conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review instruments for early sarcopenia detection in primary care settings.
• To provide insights into the clinical management of sarcopenia.
• To highlight the role of primary care physicians in sarcopenia identification and intervention.

Main Methods:

• Review of available diagnostic instruments for sarcopenia in primary care.
• Discussion of clinical management strategies, including nutritional counseling and physical activity.
• Emphasis on tailoring evaluation methods to primary care resources.

Main Results:

• Various tools exist for sarcopenia detection, requiring adaptation to specific primary care contexts.
• Nutritional counseling and physical activity programs are key interventions.
• Personalized exercise programs, like the Vivifrail protocol, can be prescribed by primary care physicians.

Conclusions:

• Primary care physicians are vital in identifying and managing sarcopenia risk in older adults.
• Lifestyle interventions, particularly exercise and nutrition, are the cornerstone of sarcopenia management.
• Future pharmacological treatments may supplement lifestyle interventions for non-responders.