Treatment strategies for sarcopenia and frailty

Med Clin North Am. 2011 May;95(3):427-38, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2011.02.008. Epub 2011 Mar 30.

Abstract

Sarcopenia is the key feature of frailty in older people and a major determinant of adverse health outcomes such as functional limitations and disability. Resistance training and adequate protein and energy intake are the key strategies for the management of sarcopenia. Management of weight loss and resistance training are the most relevant protective countermeasures to slow down the decline of muscle mass and muscle strength. The quality of amino acids in the diet is an important factor for stimulating protein synthesis. Vitamin D deficiency should be treated, and new pharmacologic approaches for sarcopenia are currently assessed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control
  • Aged
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Dietary Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Exercise*
  • Frail Elderly*
  • Geriatric Assessment / methods
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Muscle Weakness / prevention & control*
  • Protein-Energy Malnutrition / complications
  • Protein-Energy Malnutrition / prevention & control
  • Resistance Training / methods
  • Sarcopenia / etiology
  • Sarcopenia / therapy*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Dietary Proteins