Sarcopenia (ICD-10-CM code M62.84[1]) is a type of muscle loss that occurs with aging and/or immobility. It is characterized by the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality, and strength. The rate of muscle loss is dependent on exercise level, co-morbidities, nutrition and other factors. The muscle loss is related to changes in muscle synthesis signalling pathways. It is distinct from cachexia, in which muscle is degraded through cytokine-mediated degradation, although the two conditions may co-exist. Sarcopenia is considered a component of frailty syndrome.[2] Sarcopenia can lead to reduced quality of life, falls, fracture, and disability.[3][4]
Sarcopenia is a factor in changing body composition. When associated with aging populations, certain muscle regions are expected to be affected first, specifically the anterior thigh and abdominal muscles.[3][5] In population studies, body mass index (BMI) is seen to decrease in aging populations while bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) shows body fat proportion rising.[6]
^ abAta AM, Kara M, Kaymak B, Özçakar L (October 2020). "Sarcopenia Is Not "Love": You Have to Look Where You Lost it!". American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 99 (10): e119–e120. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000001391. PMID32084033. S2CID211245329.
^Ata AM, Kara M, Kaymak B, Gürçay E, Çakır B, Ünlü H, et al. (2019). "Regional and total muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance: The potential use of ultrasound imaging for sarcopenia". Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. 83: 55–60. doi:10.1016/j.archger.2019.03.014. PMID30953961. S2CID96463073.