Sarcopenia: how to avoid the widespread loss of muscle mass that affects the elderly

The diagnosis is not always rapid; The good news is that there is a way to prevent the disease at a young age

It is natural for the body to lose muscle mass as we age. But sarcopenia can speed up the process. The condition is characterized by a “progressive and generalized loss of muscle mass and body strength, with the risk of adverse outcomes such as physical disability, low quality of life and even death”, as the geriatrician explains, Simone de Paula Pessoa Lima.

Prevention and treatment

The good news is that there is a way to prevent the disease at a young age: maintain a healthy eating style and do regular physical activity. Your doctor recommends a balanced diet rich in proteins and essential nutrients. “This can be done throughout your life and not just after age 60,” he says.

Treatment for people who already have the disease is similar. The specialist recommends that exercise focuses on endurance and strength and that the patient consume nutrients and proteins, which are important for properly rebuilding muscles. “In some cases, when the diet does not reach the protein goal, the use of food supplements is resorted to.”

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Symptoms and diagnosis

Some of the main symptoms of sarcopenia are:

• Muscle weakness;
• Decreased muscle mass;
• Reduced ability to carry out daily activities;
• Increased risk of falls and fractures.

However, the diagnosis may not always be quick, as the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Therefore, the diagnosis of sarcopenia is made through a combination of clinical assessments. The first indication of sarcopenia is that the patient has a muscle deficit that leads to the inability to perform daily functions.

“Some tests are applied, including measuring grip muscle strength or testing getting up and sitting down from a chair without arm support. In a second step, body composition analysis can be carried out using methods such as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and physical performance assessment”, explains the geriatrician.

Importance of awareness

Awareness of the syndrome is important so that the necessary measures can be taken to prevent the disease. In addition to prevention, being informed on the topic can contribute to an early diagnosis, which according to geriatrician Simone de Paula Pessoa Lima “is fundamental for the implementation of effective interventions that can improve the quality of life and reduce the risks associated with the loss of muscle mass”. mass and strength in the elderly”.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.