Sarcopenia is defined as the age-associated loss in muscle mass and function. The geriatric syndrome is predictive of poorer health outcomes among the elderly, including a higher risk of falls, fractures, and increased mortality. Globally, the prevalence of sarcopenia is estimated to be about 10% for both sexes. Sarcopenia is associated with a wide range of age-related diseases, including type II diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Besides its comorbidity with metabolic diseases, the decline in skeletal muscle mass and function is also associated with frailty—a state of high vulnerability resulting from cumulative age-related degeneration across multiple physiologic systems—resulting in increased dependency and lower quality of life. Apart from reduced physical ability, sarcopenic individuals were also found to have a higher risk of cognitive impairment, suggesting the coupling of the muscular and central nervous systems. Evidently, increased sarcopenia prevalence and decreased muscle strength and endurance in different stages of Alzheimer’s Disease implied possible cross-talk between the two systems. Nonetheless, sarcopenia has been suggested as a mortality predictor in the elderly.

We will review the characteristics of sarcopenia and its implications for metabolic health in these two lectures.