Sarcopenia (Muscle Loss): Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis

As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, and one of the less discussed but impactful aspects is the loss of muscle mass and strength. Sarcopenia, often referred to as the "silent thief," is a condition characterized by the gradual loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. Let’s delve into the intricacies of sarcopenia, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and proactive measures to counteract its effects.

What is Sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia stems from the Greek words "sarx," meaning flesh, and "penia," meaning loss. Essentially, meaning of sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and function associated with ageing. While a certain degree of muscle loss is a natural part of the ageing process, sarcopenia represents an accelerated and pathological decline that can impact an individual's overall health and quality of life.

Causes of Sarcopenia

As Sarcopenia mainly affects the elderly, the causes are also majorly age-related:

Hormonal Changes

As individuals age, there is a natural decline in hormone levels, including testosterone and growth hormone, both of which play crucial roles in maintaining muscle mass. These hormonal changes contribute to the gradual loss of muscle tissue.

Decreased Physical Activity

A sedentary lifestyle, common in older adults, can exacerbate muscle loss. Lack of regular physical activity, including resistance training and aerobic exercise, contributes to muscle atrophy and weakness.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Inadequate protein intake, along with deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, can compromise muscle health. Protein is particularly crucial for muscle synthesis, repair, and maintenance.

Chronic Inflammation

Persistent inflammation, often associated with conditions like arthritis or chronic diseases, can accelerate muscle wasting. Inflammation triggers the release of cytokines that promote muscle breakdown.

Neuromuscular Changes

Aging also brings about changes in the nervous system, affecting the signals sent to the muscles. Reduced motor unit activation and impaired neuromuscular coordination contribute to muscle weakness.

Insulin Resistance

A common occurrence with age, insulin resistance can negatively impact muscle protein synthesis and contribute to the development of sarcopenia. When you grow old, you become more susceptible to various health issues, which might cause great distress to you. Having the support of health insurance in your old age is important to deal with the constant changes your body goes through.

Also Read: What is Health Insurance: Meaning, Benefits & Types

Symptoms of Sarcopenia

The progression of sarcopenia is often insidious, and symptoms may not be immediately apparent. However, as the condition advances, individuals may experience:

Muscle Weakness

Gradual loss of muscle strength, especially in the legs and upper body, leading to difficulties in performing daily activities.

Reduced Stamina

Individuals with sarcopenia may notice a decline in endurance and increased fatigue during physical activities.

Impaired Balance and Mobility

Weakening of the muscles can affect balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and fractures.

Unintentional Weight Loss

Sarcopenia can contribute to unintended weight loss due to the loss of lean muscle mass.

Diagnosis and Assessment

Diagnosing sarcopenia involves a comprehensive evaluation by healthcare professionals. Some common assessment methods include:

Physical Examination

Healthcare providers may assess muscle strength, function, and overall physical performance through various tests. If you are covered by critical illness insurance, check if the tests are covered by the policy. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under health insurance policy.*

Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)

DEXA scans can measure muscle mass and identify areas of muscle loss, helping in the diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Functional Tests

Functional tests, like the Timed Up and Go test or the 6-Minute Walk test, assess mobility, balance, and overall physical function.

Can Sarcopenia Be Reversed?

One of the most common questions people ask is whether sarcopenia can be reversed. While sarcopenia cannot be entirely reversed, it can be managed and improved through various interventions. The earlier you begin addressing muscle loss, the better the chances for improvement. Although complete recovery of muscle mass may not always be possible, sarcopenia treatment can help maintain muscle strength, improve function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Effective treatments for sarcopenia focus on:

• Exercise programs, particularly strength training and resistance exercises.
• Protein-rich diets to promote muscle regeneration.
• Supplements to support muscle health in cases of nutritional deficiency.
• Medical intervention to address underlying health conditions.

With consistent effort and a healthy lifestyle, significant improvements can be made.

When to See a Doctor?

If you notice sarcopenia symptoms such as significant muscle weakness or difficulty with daily activities, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can help assess whether the muscle loss is due to sarcopenia or another underlying health condition. Seeking medical attention is particularly important if:

• Muscle loss is sudden or severe.
• You experience frequent falls or accidents due to muscle weakness.
• Your symptoms worsen despite trying to increase physical activity.

A health insurance policy can help cover medical costs for diagnostic tests, physiotherapy, and necessary treatments to manage the condition effectively.

Factors That Accelerate Sarcopenia

Several factors can contribute to the acceleration of sarcopenia, causing it to develop at a faster rate:

1. Physical Inactivity

Lack of exercise, particularly strength training and resistance exercises, is a major contributor to muscle loss. Without regular physical activity, muscles atrophy more quickly, leading to sarcopenia.

2. Poor Nutrition

Inadequate protein intake, along with deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, can contribute to muscle breakdown. Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining muscle health and strength.

3. Chronic Illnesses

Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to muscle wasting due to inflammation and metabolic changes.

4. Hormonal Changes

Decreased levels of hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and growth hormone can impact muscle growth and maintenance, especially in older adults.

5. Medications

Long-term use of certain medications, like corticosteroids, can contribute to muscle loss. These medications can interfere with protein synthesis and promote muscle breakdown.

6. Age-related Changes

As people age, muscle mass naturally decreases, and muscle fibres shrink. Sarcopenia is often a natural part of the ageing process, particularly after the age of 60.

Who Does Sarcopenia Affect?

While sarcopenia is more common among older adults, it can affect people of any age, especially when other contributing factors are present. Here's who is most likely to experience sarcopenia:

1. Older Adults

The condition is most prevalent in individuals over 60 years of age, particularly those who are sedentary, have poor nutrition, or suffer from chronic illnesses.

2. People with Chronic Diseases

Individuals living with conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and neurological disorders are at increased risk of developing sarcopenia due to chronic inflammation and metabolic changes.

3. Sedentary Individuals

Lack of regular physical activity accelerates muscle atrophy. Those with inactive lifestyles are more likely to experience muscle loss earlier than those who stay active.

4. Post-Menopausal Women

The reduction in estrogen levels after menopause contributes to muscle mass loss in women, making them more susceptible to sarcopenia.

5. People with Poor Nutrition

Inadequate protein intake, particularly in the elderly, can lead to a faster decline in muscle mass. Proper nutrition is essential for preventing and managing sarcopenia.

Treatment of Sarcopenia

While sarcopenia treatment is not one-size-fits-all, there are several approaches to manage the condition effectively:

1. Exercise

• Strength training and resistance exercises are the most effective treatments for sarcopenia. These exercises help build muscle strength and prevent further muscle loss.
• Aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming, and cycling, can improve endurance and cardiovascular health, which indirectly supports muscle health.

2. Dietary Changes

• Increasing protein intake is essential for muscle repair and regeneration. Aim to consume high-quality proteins like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, and plant-based sources such as legumes and tofu.
• A balanced diet with adequate vitamins D and B12, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids can help optimise muscle function.

3. Supplements

• Protein supplements, creatine, and vitamin D are often recommended to individuals with sarcopenia to promote muscle health.
• Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may also help in improving muscle protein synthesis.

4. Medical Intervention

• In cases where sarcopenia is caused by an underlying health condition, treatment may involve managing the condition itself through medication or therapy.

5. Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy can help improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and strengthen muscles. It is often recommended for people with severe muscle weakness.

Sarcopenia Risk Factors

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing sarcopenia:

• Age: The risk increases significantly after the age of 60.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Inactivity accelerates muscle loss.
• Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of protein and essential vitamins increases muscle breakdown.
• Chronic illness: Conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease contribute to muscle wasting.
• Medications: Long-term use of certain medications like corticosteroids can accelerate muscle loss.
• Genetics: Family history can also play a role in the development of sarcopenia.

Preventing and Managing Sarcopenia

The following tips can help in preventing the development of sarcopenia in your body:

Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity, including both resistance training and aerobic exercise, is crucial in preserving muscle mass and strength. Strength training exercises, such as weightlifting, can promote muscle growth and improve overall function.

Balanced Nutrition

Adequate protein intake is essential for muscle health. Consuming a well-balanced diet with sufficient protein, along with essential vitamins and minerals, can support muscle maintenance and repair.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

In some cases, especially when hormonal imbalances contribute to sarcopenia, hormone replacement therapy may be considered under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

Regular Health Check-ups

Routine health check-ups may allow for the early detection of conditions that may contribute to sarcopenia, such as hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.

Medication Review

Some medications may have side effects that contribute to muscle loss. Periodic reviews of medications with healthcare providers can help mitigate potential risks.

Also read: Benefits of Performing Cardio Exercise Daily

Conclusion

Sarcopenia is a serious condition that impacts muscle mass and strength, especially in older adults. The good news is that sarcopenia symptoms can be managed effectively with the right combination of exercise, nutrition, and medical intervention. By addressing the causes of sarcopenia early on and staying proactive about sarcopenia treatment, you can improve your quality of life and maintain muscle strength well into your later years.

To ensure you have access to necessary treatments, be sure to have an appropriate health insurance policy from Bajaj Allianz General Insurance that covers diagnostics and physical therapy. Regular health insurance renewal can also provide continued financial support as you manage and prevent sarcopenia over time.

FAQs

Can younger adults get sarcopenia?

Yes, younger adults can develop sarcopenia, particularly if they have sedentary lifestyles or chronic illnesses.

Are supplements necessary to manage sarcopenia?

Supplements like protein, creatine, and vitamin D can be beneficial but are not always necessary if a person maintains a healthy diet.

How long does it take to see improvement after starting treatment?

It can take several weeks to months to see improvement, depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment plan.

Is sarcopenia a sign of another underlying health issue?

Sarcopenia can be a sign of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or neurological disorders, but it can also occur naturally with ageing.

Are men and women affected by sarcopenia in the same way?

Both men and women can develop sarcopenia, but women are more likely to experience it after menopause due to hormonal changes.

At what age do you start losing muscle mass?

Muscle mass typically begins to decline around the age of 30, with an accelerated loss after 60.

Is walking good for sarcopenia?

Yes, walking is an excellent low-impact exercise that can improve overall health and support muscle maintenance.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.