Understanding sarcopenia: Pathophysiology, prevalence, and implications for clinical practice and public health

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a condition involving the continuous muscle disorder that is marked by a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and function is also a significant factor of disability, fragility, and more deaths in the elderly people. The number of elderly people in the world is increasing; therefore, sarcopenia is becoming more common globally, which is of great public health interest. Although a lot of progress has been made in getting the information about sarcopenia, it causes, and what symptoms it gives, some difficulties exist in prompt diagnostic identification and treatment, especially when one’s resources are scarce. The current knowledge about sarcopenia is reviewed in this article with such key points as its epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic criteria, and the complex relationship with other syndromes such as cachexia, frailty, and sarcopenic obesity. The major contributors to sarcopenia are mentioned in the review as lack of physical activity, age-related inflammation, changes in the endocrine system, and lack of nutrients. Furthermore, the paper underlines that there has been resistance training and nutritional interventions as the typical way to manage sarcopenia. Vital aspects, such as early screening, a positive way of life, and some public health strategies, have the greatest influence on the reduction of the burden of this condition, both on individuals and public health systems.