[Skeletal muscle mass in institutionalized elderly]

Abstract

Increased longevity raises the proportion of elderly individuals in a population, and thereby, the number of individuals suffering from frailty. Frailty is associated with loss of skeletal muscle mass and function (sarcopenia), which stems from an imbalance between muscle protein synthesis and degradation. Nutrition intake, physical activity (both aerobic and resistance training) and comorbidities are associated with skeletal muscle mass in elderly individuals. In community-dwelling seniors, prevalence estimates for sarcopenia reach 17.5% among very elderly males. Sarcopenia is considerably higher in disabled nursing home residents and differs between men and women. These differences might reflect gender differences in comorbidity rates. Identification of modifiable risk factors for sarcopenia may lead to intervention opportunities. Further research is needed to determine whether improved skeletal muscle mass impacts survival in this frail elderly nursing home residents.