Detection, Evaluation, and Diagnosis of Sarcopenia in Elderly Individuals: Understanding the Impact on Muscle Strength and Function

With age or other causes, such as chronic diseases such as diabetes, muscle mass may decrease and “sarcopenia” may occur, resulting in decreased muscle strength, limited mobility, and even disability. Physicians reminded that in fact, “sarcopenia” with appropriate nutritional supplements, including sufficient protein, calcium, and vitamin D, after continuous exercise rehabilitation treatment, most of them can meaningfully enhance muscle strength and life functions.

“Sarcopenia” may also be obese and needs to be confirmed by testing

Yang Huidai, Director of the Rehabilitation Department of Taipei United Hospital Yangming District, pointed out that most patients with sarcopenia will lose weight and have thinner legs. However, some patients may look obese but actually have sarcopenia. Although muscle atrophy, it is replaced by fat tissue accumulation, thus forming the so-called “sarcopenic obesity”. Generally, the diagnosis of “sarcopenia” can be confirmed through tests such as muscle mass and muscle strength.

“Sarcopenic Dysphagia” Malnutrition Fears a Vicious Cycle

Yang Huidai explained that sarcopenia does not only affect the skeletal muscles of the limbs, in fact it also affects the muscle groups that control swallowing movements; due to the reduction in the mass of these muscle groups, there is not enough muscle strength to complete effective chewing Swallowing movements such as transportation and transportation will cause swallowing disorders, which are called “sarcopenic dysphagia”. And such dysphagia, subsequent malnutrition will worsen the lack of muscle mass in “sarcopenia”, forming a vicious circle.

Yang Huidai said that in the elderly group over 65 years old, the occurrence of “sarcopenic dysphagia” is actually not uncommon; in addition to the symptoms of dysphagia or coughing, hoarseness may also occur in severe cases.

“Osteoporosis” and sarcopenia co-morbidity are high, seeking medical treatment and rehabilitation can improve symptoms

Yang Huidai said that medical research has found that patients who are known to have “osteoporosis” also have a higher proportion of “sarcopenia” than the general population; disease relationship.

If you have suspected sarcopenia such as thin limbs or weakness, or have difficulty swallowing, it is recommended to go to the hospital for relevant evaluation and testing. If the diagnosis is confirmed, you can start rehabilitation treatment as soon as possible; whether it is “sarcopenia” or Sarcopenia and dysphagia”, all have the opportunity to make good progress after rehabilitation treatment.