Sarcopenia: A Contemporary Health Problem among Older Adult Populations

• Main Author: Sousana K. Papadopoulou
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-05-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: sarcopenia; exercise; nutrition; supplements; older adults; muscle mass
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/5/1293

Sarcopenia, a geriatric disease characterized by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and loss of muscle function, constitutes a rising, often undiagnosed health problem. Its prevalence in the elderly population is largely considered variable, as it ranges from 5% to 50% depending on gender, age, pathological conditions as well as diagnostic criteria. There is no one unified approach of treatment or assessment, which makes sarcopenia even harder to assess. There is a pressing need to provide better diagnosis, diagnostics, prevention, and individualized health care. Physical activity and nutrition are the main studied ways to prevent sarcopenia, and they also offer better outcomes. This review aims to report the prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults, its etiology, prevention, and treatment techniques.