Sarcopenia

Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2017 Apr;31(2):218-242. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2017.11.007. Epub 2017 Nov 21.

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a condition that is characterized by loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle functional impairment with ageing. The definition of sarcopenia has been through various permutations; however, an enormous recent breakthrough is the inclusion of the condition in the ICD-10 classification of diseases. This chapter covers the background issues regarding definition before describing the epidemiology of the disease according to human and environmental factors. It then provides a practical guide for the assessment of sarcopenia in a clinical setting and finishes with advice on present treatment and the exciting frontiers of future therapies.

Keywords: Ageing; Function; Muscle; Sarcopenia; Strength.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging
  • Humans
  • Sarcopenia / physiopathology*