Sarcopenia: Preventable and Reversible

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and function that increases the risk of adverse outcomes (death, functional decline, reduced quality of life) in old age. Sarcopenia develops along the lifetime, starting early in life and accelerating after age 50. This condition is preventable by incorporating resistance exercise and improving nutrition (especially protein intake) to a healthy lifestyle, and prevention or retardation of sarcopenia may have an impact on the incidence of disability. When sarcopenia is present, it is also potentially reversible by a comprehensive exercise program associated with a dietary intervention.