La sarcopénie

Abstract

Sarcopenia is defined by loss of muscular mass, strength and quality that occurs in elderly. It has become an important area of research because of its frequency and its responsibility for a significant part of the mobility disability in older people. Understanding and treating sarcopenia could probably have a dramatic impact on the disability process. A definitive consensual clinical method to assess sarcopenia is still needed in everyday clinical practice and clinical research. The different characteristics that define sarcopenia are usually studied separately. The loss of muscular mass and muscle strength is mainly caused by low physical activity, aged-related changes in steroids hormones and inflammatory processes. Treatment relies on a multidimensional approach. Preventing loss of muscle mass and preserving muscle strength is relevant if it prevents decline in physical performance and mobility disability. Identifying target elderly populations for specific treatment in clinical trial is an important issue. To date strength training is the only efficient approach to treat and prevent sarcopenia. So far, no pharmacological treatment has proven definitive evidence to treat or prevent sarcopenia. On-going and future pharmacological clinical trials may radically change our therapeutic approach of mobility disability in elderly. The endpoint prevention of mobility disability should be added to the well-established outcomes of treatment of the loss of muscular mass, muscle strength or muscle quality.