Nutrition and sarcopenia in posmenopausal women

Abstract

Objectives. Sarcopenia is an important preliminary factor for frailty syndrome. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between nutrition and other potential risk factors and sarcopenia in post-menopausal women. Materials and Methods. A total of 352 post-menopausal patients consecutively admitted to "Ana Aslan" National Institute of Gerontology and Geriatrics have been evaluated. Patients with diseases that could interfere with their nutritional status have been excluded. Following parameters have been considered: age, age of menopause onset, time elapsed since menopause onset, level of school education, average income, area of residence, living arrangements nutritional status and mood disorders. Measuring gait speed on a 6-m course assessed the risk of physical disability and sarcopenia. Results. A significant negative correlation (r=-0.89; p <0.05) was noticed between muscle performance and chronological age. Sarcopenia was not correlated with age of menopause onset. The risk of malnutrition was significantly associated with the risk of sarcopenia (r=0.73; p<0.05). The level of formal education did not correlate with sarcopenia, but patients having family support had a lower risk of physical disability (p<0.05). There was a significant negative association between the presence of mood disorders and gait speed (r=0.58; p<0.05). Conclusions. In conclusion, factors such as the presence of mood disorders and enhanced risk of malnutrition have a significant influence on the occurrence of sarcopenia in postmenopausal women.