Prevalance of sarcopenia according to decade

Abstract

Aim: Our study aimed to identify Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (SMMI) cut-off values for sarcopenia diagnosis in our population and determine the prevalance of sarcopenia, and to collect data about reducing the disease load.

Method: The study was completed with 515 volunteers divided into groups based on ages of 18-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years and 80 years and older. All groups had SMMI, muscle strenght physical performance assessed, with sarcopenia diagnosis made using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) diagnostic criteria.

Results: Together with advancing decades, there were significant reductions observed in SMMI, hand grip test (HGT) and 4-m walking test (4MWT) values. For females and males, the reduction in HGT and 4MWT values began after 50 years of age, while the reduction in SMMI began after 70 years for males and after 60 years for females. The prevalance of sarcopenia in the 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80 years plus age intervals were identified as 7%, 10.6%, 15.4%, 21.2% and 36.5%, respectively.

Conclusion: Identification of sarcopenia prevalence in our population is important due to limitations of treatment administered after diagnosis is made.

Keywords: 4 m walking test; Hand grip test; Sarcopenia; Skeletal muscle mass index.