Sarcopenia- A Growing Geriatric Giant of Society

The process of aging is associated with various structural and functional changes in the body. During aging, loss of muscle tissue and muscle mass make the individual bed bound and physically disabled. The term “sarcopenia” refers to loss of muscle mass, strength and function in older subjects. There are many theories like mitochondrial dysfunction, hormonal changes, decline in neural function, reduced satellite cell function, chronic inflammation support the process of sarcopenia in later life. Though, still the proper pathophysiology remains unclear in sarcopenia. There are various groups of criteria for defining sarcopenia like European Working Group on Sarcopenia Older People (EWGSOP), International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism-Special Interest Group (ESPEN-SIG), Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). Among these, AWGS criteria are mainly used for screening of Asian patients. Various non imaging and imaging techniques are also available for diagnosing sarcopenia. Mainly diet, nutrition and physical healthy lifestyle are needed to prevent sarcopenia. In physical therapy aerobic training, resistance training, group therapy, whole body vibration therapy are available for sarcopenia patients. Among these therapies, a combination of diet (protein, amino acids supplements) and endurance training are useful approach. The pathophysiology and diagnostic criteria could be useful to do early detection of the disease in geriatric populations. To reduce severity and avoid further progression of the disease proper treatment options are needed. Further researches are required to develop effective exercise regime for the treatment of sarcopenia.