Sarcopenia and frailty in older patients with rheumatism

Sarcopenia is an age-related generalized loss of muscle mass and muscle strength resulting in low physical performance, which can be observed in up to 50% of >80-year-old individuals. The consequences are manifold and sarcopenia is closely linked to frailty. Important risk factors are genetics/epigenetics, immobilization, malnutrition and anorexia, hormone deficiencies, chronic inflammation and raised levels of inhibitory factors of tissue regeneration. Thus, functional assessment of muscle strength and physical performance are central components of diagnosing sarcopenia, beyond the mere quantification of muscle mass. Currently, many interventional strategies are being tested, including exercise regimens, nutrition programs, hormone replacement and pharmacological strategies involving anabolic principles. According to the current data, training programs and medications have a high potential.