Cognitive Sarcopenia: Prevalence and the Risk for Mortality and Healthy Aging in the KORA-Age Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cognitive sarcopenia, the simultaneous presence of sarcopenia and cognitive impairment, is a growing concern in the aging population.
• This condition is hypothesized to elevate the risk of adverse health outcomes among older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between cognitive sarcopenia and adverse outcomes, including mortality and disability, in an older general population.
• To determine the prevalence of cognitive sarcopenia and its components in a population-based cohort.

Main Methods:

• The study analyzed data from 1055 participants aged 65-93 years from the KORA-Age cohort.
• Sarcopenia was defined using the EWGSOP 2018 criteria, and cognitive impairment was assessed via interviews.
• Mortality and adverse outcomes (disability, need for nursing care) were tracked over 12 and 3 years, respectively, using regression models.

Main Results:

• Approximately 50% of older adults with probable sarcopenia exhibited cognitive impairment, compared to 20% without sarcopenia.
• Cognitive probable sarcopenia (8.1%) and cognitive confirmed sarcopenia (3.3%) were identified.
• Cognitive sarcopenia significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.95), cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.64), and disability (OR 6.12).

Conclusions:

• The findings highlight the substantial increased risk associated with cognitive sarcopenia, underscoring its clinical significance.
• Screening for cognitive impairment in older adults with probable sarcopenia is recommended.
• Further research into simultaneous interventions for both conditions is supported.