Sarcopenia is an age-related disease that leads to the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. Although a gradual decrease in muscle is normal for adults starting in their fourth decade of life, weakness and functional decline can greatly hinder mobility and quality of life at very old ages. It is not entirely clear what triggers sarcopenia, but several factors are thought to contribute to the muscular degeneration process.Reduced overall caloric intake, specifically decreased protein consumption, or poor nutrition in general can lead to less muscle mass retention and production. Lack of exercise and an overall increase in the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles also lead to higher levels of sarcopenia in the elderly population.
Natural metabolic and hormonal changes associated with the aging process also play their role. Sarcopenia is correlated with the failed activation of satellite cells, which normally fuse into muscle fibers after exercise or injury to restore function. Declining levels of hormones like testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor 1 along with elevated inflammatory activity result in a formidable combination of decreased muscle production and accelerated muscular degradation.The seven symptoms listed below are most commonly seen in people with sarcopenia. Although it is so intrinsically tied to the natural process of aging, sarcopenia is hardly untreatable or an inevitable sentence to a debilitated life at an older age. The key to counteracting the most severe effects involves relatively simple measures like maintaining an active lifestyle with plenty of strength and resistance exercise bolstered by good nutritional habits.
Natural metabolic and hormonal changes associated with the aging process also play their role. Sarcopenia is correlated with the failed activation of satellite cells, which normally fuse into muscle fibers after exercise or injury to restore function. Declining levels of hormones like testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor 1 along with elevated inflammatory activity result in a formidable combination of decreased muscle production and accelerated muscular degradation.The seven symptoms listed below are most commonly seen in people with sarcopenia. Although it is so intrinsically tied to the natural process of aging, sarcopenia is hardly untreatable or an inevitable sentence to a debilitated life at an older age. The key to counteracting the most severe effects involves relatively simple measures like maintaining an active lifestyle with plenty of strength and resistance exercise bolstered by good nutritional habits.