An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 11

Sarcopenia is a progressive disease that affects the skeletal muscles. It is characterised by the loss of muscle strength, muscle mass, and function. This condition is becoming increasingly recognised as a major factor in poor health outcomes for older adults. As the global population ages quickly, sarcopenia has become a significant clinical and public health challenge. Recognised through standardised criteria and ICD-10 coding, it is an increasing public health challenge. This chapter comprehensively reviews the current concepts of sarcopenia, including definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical consequences, diagnostic strategies, and evidence-based approaches to management and prevention. The current narrative review aims to integrate the latest literature and consensus statements from around the world, such as the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) and the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). The main areas of focus were muscle strength, muscle mass and quality, physical function, and the complex relationships between these parameters and the processes of ageing, chronic illness, inflammation, and lifestyle. Sarcopenia arises from anabolic resistance, neuromuscular junction and muscle degeneration, hormonal changes, chronic low-grade inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and physical inactivity. In addition to the loss of muscle mass, the loss of muscle quality, especially myosteatosis, has been recognised as an important component of sarcopenia and its impact on function. Sarcopenia is often comorbid with chronic diseases and can be identified as sarcopenic obesity, which is known to have a particularly adverse prognosis. The use of SARC-F (Strength, Assistance with walking, Rising from a chair, Climbing stairs, Falls) as a screening test helps in its early recognition, while its diagnosis is confirmed by an objective evaluation of muscle strength, mass, and function. Progressive resistance exercise training has been the mainstay in its management, and its efficacy has been well established. Proper protein intake and comprehensive supportive care can improve its outcome.

Sarcopenia is a common, underdiagnosed, and potentially reversible condition with profound implications for healthy ageing. Early detection and integrated interventions combining exercise and nutrition are essential to preserve functional independence, reduce healthcare burden, and improve quality of life in ageing populations.