Risk of sarcopenia: A red flag for cognitive decline in postmenopause?

To determine if the SARC-F tool, used to screen for sarcopenia risk, can also predict mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tool.

This is a sub-analysis of data from a cross-sectional study carried out in postmenopausal women from Latin America (nine countries) in which sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric data were collected, and the SARC-F and MoCA tools administered. From the original sample of 1185 women, analysis was performed only among the 772 with natural menopause.

Overall, mean age, body mass index and years of education were 56.9 years, 26.8 kg/m² and 13.6 years, respectively. Women with MCI displayed a higher body mass index, had more children, experienced more severe menopausal symptoms, and were more frequently homemakers and physically inactive. The prevalence of MCI increased from 12.9 % in women with no sarcopenia risk (SARC-F < 4 points) to 35.3 % in those at risk (OR 3.70; 95 % CI 2.36-5.80). According to binary logistic regression analysis, sarcopenia risk (total SARC-F score ≥ 4) was associated with MCI (OR: 2.44; 95 % CI 1.50-3.95). Aside from the risk of sarcopenia, being a homemaker (OR 1.97; 95 % CI 1.25-3.10) was also associated with an increased likelihood of MCI. Protective factors included ever use of menopausal hormone therapy (OR 0.26; 95 % CI 0.13-0.54) and having higher educational attainment (OR 0.28; 95 % CI 95 % 0.16-0.47). The SARC-F displayed a sensitivity of 84 % and a specificity of 39 % at diagnosing MCI.

This study suggests that the SARC-F questionnaire, used to assess sarcopenia risk, could also predict the presence of MCI in postmenopausal women. There is a need for more research to support our preliminary findings.