Aging and Loss of Muscle Mass

it is often associated with a loss of muscle mass. Sarcopenia is a syndrome, often correlated with aging, characterized by loss of muscle mass and function.

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Sarcopenia profoundly compromises the quality of life of those who suffer from it: sarcopenia, in fact, is responsible for muscle weakness, poor resistance to physical efforts, slowness in the simplest movements, loss of balance, difficulty in carrying out the most normal daily activities and need to be physically dependent on others.

It seems that sarcopenia is the result of a combination of factors, including hormonal and metabolic changes, dietary deficiencies, neurodegenerative processes and a sedentary lifestyle.

There is still no specific medical therapy for sarcopenia; however, through targeted physical exercise and an adequate diet, much of the consequences can be controlled.

, from a reduction in skeletal muscle strength and, very often, also from a worsening of body composition.

of growth hormone and testosterone, reduction triggered by aging.

Neurodegenerative factors.As we age, we witness an impoverishment of the nerve cells that control the activity of the skeletal muscles and favor their well-being.

Metabolic factors. Aging determines the accumulation in the muscle of proteins, defined with the term oxidized, which compromise the health of the muscles, causing loss of mass and functionality.

Eating habits. For various reasons (eg social isolation), the elderly tend to eat less than they should; this can cause them to develop a shortage of proteins, which are essential for keeping the muscles of the human body strong and healthy.
In addition, studies have shown that an adequate intake of vitamin D is also important for good muscle function.

Sedentary lifestyle. Older age is associated with chronic pathologies (eg osteoarthritis), which force one to remain sedentary or otherwise limit daily movement; less movement results in weakening of the muscles and their atrophy.

Sarcopenia most likely depends on the combination of the above factors and circumstances; moreover, it is not excluded that there are others for the moment still unknown.