7.2 Flashcards
(10 cards)
- What is sarcopenia?
Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder characterized by the loss of muscle mass and function. It leads to decreased strength, increased risk of falls, functional decline, frailty, and higher mortality in older adults.
- What nutritional factors can contribute to the development of sarcopenia?
Low protein intake, inadequate overall energy consumption, micronutrient deficiencies, and malabsorption due to gastrointestinal disorders or anorexia in older age can contribute to sarcopenia by reducing the substrates needed for muscle maintenance and repair.
- How does physical inactivity contribute to sarcopenia?
Inactivity, bed rest, and a sedentary lifestyle lead to deconditioning and loss of muscle fibers, reduce the number and function of satellite cells responsible for muscle repair, and ultimately accelerate the decline in muscle mass and strength.
- What chronic diseases and other medical conditions are commonly associated with sarcopenia?
Chronic conditions such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, endocrine disorders, and neurological diseases can increase systemic inflammation and metabolic stress, all of which contribute to muscle wasting.
- What are the key cellular and structural changes seen in sarcopenia?
Sarcopenia is marked by a reduction in the size and number of myofibers (especially the fast-twitch, type II fibers), fat infiltration within skeletal muscle, a decrease in satellite cell numbers, and a measurable decline in grip strength, muscle cross-sectional area, and gait speed.
- How does the decline in muscle strength compare to the loss of muscle mass in sarcopenia?
Muscle strength typically declines at a faster rate than muscle mass, meaning that functional impairment may be more pronounced than what is suggested by changes in muscle size alone.
- What impact does estrogen deficiency have on muscle health in postmenopausal women with regard to sarcopenia?
After menopause, the drop in estrogen levels removes an important protective mechanism against muscle loss. This hormonal deprivation accelerates muscle atrophy and decreases muscle strength, contributing significantly to the development and severity of sarcopenia in women.
- How does testosterone deficiency affect sarcopenia in men?
Testosterone plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass and strength in men. A deficiency—whether due to natural aging or external factors such as androgen deprivation therapy—leads to increased muscle atrophy, reduced strength, and a higher risk of sarcopenia.
- What are the functional consequences of sarcopenia for the aging population?
Sarcopenia reduces overall muscle strength and physical performance, leading to slower gait speed, decreased mobility, a higher risk of falls and fractures, diminished independence, and a lower overall quality of life.
- Why is addressing sarcopenia important in ageing populations, and which lifestyle interventions might help mitigate its effects?
Addressing sarcopenia is crucial for maintaining mobility, independence, and overall quality of life in older adults. Interventions such as regular resistance and aerobic exercise, adequate protein and nutrient intake, and strategies to maintain hormonal balance can slow the progression of sarcopenia and reduce related functional impairments.
