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Sarcopenia

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Avan SayerORCiD, Professor Rachel CooperORCiD, Professor Miles WithamORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

© Springer Nature Limited 2024. Sarcopenia is the accelerated loss of skeletal muscle mass and function commonly, but not exclusively, associated with advancing age. It is observed across many species including humans in whom it can lead to decline in physical function and mobility as well as to increased risk of adverse outcomes including falls, fractures and premature mortality. Although prevalence estimates vary because sarcopenia has been defined in different ways, even using a conservative approach, the prevalence is between 5% and 10% in the general population. A life course framework has been proposed for understanding not only the occurrence of sarcopenia in later life but also influences operating at earlier life stages with potentially important implications for preventive strategies. Harnessing progress in understanding the hallmarks of ageing has been key to understanding sarcopenia pathophysiology. Considerable convergence in approaches to diagnosis of sarcopenia has occurred over the last 10 years, with a growing emphasis on the central importance of muscle strength. Resistance exercise is currently the mainstay of treatment; however, it is not suitable for all. Hence, adjunctive and alternative treatments to improve quality of life are needed. An internationally agreed approach to definition and diagnosis will enable a step change in the field and is likely to be available in the near future through the Global Leadership Initiative in Sarcopenia.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Sayer AA, Cooper R, Arai H, Cawthon PM, Ntsama Essomba M-J, Fielding RA, Grounds MD, Witham MD, Cruz-Jentoft AJ

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Nature Reviews Disease Primers

Year: 2024

Volume: 10

Online publication date: 19/09/2024

Acceptance date: 12/08/2024

Date deposited: 13/08/2024

ISSN (electronic): 2056-676X

Publisher: Springer Nature

URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-024-00550-w

DOI: 10.1038/s41572-024-00550-w

ePrints DOI: 10.57711/7sps-kq76

PubMed id: 39300120


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
McArdle family donation to Newcastle University
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre (reference NIHR203309)
US Department of Agriculture, agreement no. 58-1950-4-003

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