Can Family Practitioners Help with the Early Diagnosis of Sarcopenia?

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a high prevalence age-related disorder, defined by involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass combined with muscle weakness and consequent inability to execute activities of daily living. Furthermore, this clinical entity is a strong predictor of falls, disability and frailty, among other important geriatric morbidities, ultimately leading to a very poor quality of life and increased health care costs. However, Sarcopenia remains largely undiagnosed and undertreated. This editorial highlights the importance for effective methods of diagnosis and management of Sarcopenia by clinicians, particularly family practitioners. In fact, in order to avoid complications related to this condition, we propose that measurement of muscle strength (by measuring grip strength) should be part of patient evaluation as well other vital signs routine and annual checkup consultations.