Prevalence and Diagnosis of Sarcopenia in Residential Facilities: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Assessing sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, in institutionalized older adults is a challenging task. Data on its prevalence in residential facilities are scant and highly variable. Our objective was to report the prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults living in residential facilities (nursing/long term-care homes and assisted-living facilities) and review the criteria and methodologies used to diagnose sarcopenia in this setting. Bibliographic searches were carried out in 6 electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, LILACS, and Cochrane) with the use of the Medical Subject Heading terms "Sarcopenia" and "Residential Facilities." We included studies that evaluated the prevalence of sarcopenia among older adults (aged ≥60 y) living in residential facilities. Forty-four studies were identified, of which 21 studies were included after applying eligibility criteria. The reported prevalence of sarcopenia ranged widely between 17.7% and 73.3% in long term-care homes and between 22% and 87% in assisted-living facilities. Most studies (n = 14) followed the consensus on sarcopenia diagnosis published by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. In the other 7 studies, sarcopenia was diagnosed according to muscle mass, which was measured via 5 different techniques, most frequently bioelectrical impedance analysis, establishing cutoff scores for low muscle mass with the use of 5 different indexes, most frequently the skeletal muscle index. There are major differences in study design, methodology, and the approach to sarcopenia diagnosis in this setting, which would, in part, explain the enormous variability in the reported prevalence data. The lack of consensus on the correct diagnostic approach hampers the implementation of appropriate nutritional interventions.

Exploring the Association between Vascular Dysfunction and Skeletal Muscle Mass, Strength and Function in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review

“…As such, sarcopenia has been shown to pose a significant economic burden to health care systems [6]. The prevalence of sarcopenia in community dwelling older adults is estimated to range from 7 to 73.3% in long-term care homes and between 22% and 87% in assisted-living facilities [7,8]. In addition, the progression of sarcopenia is complex and multifactorial, with environmental influences such as physical inactivity, nutrient deficiencies and oxidative stress all postulated to have a role [1,9].…”

Functional and Clinical Characteristics for Predicting Sarcopenia in Institutionalised Older Adults: Identifying Tools for Clinical Screening

“…Identifying loss of functionality and sarcopenia in early stages is important to prevent the progress of sarcopenia and its consequences, as well as to start treatment. Thus, treatment for sarcopenia is very important in residential facilities because the functional decline leads to a loss of independence in older adults and is associated with a higher demand for services in residential centers [54]. Therefore, the prevention of sarcopenia has become one of the major goals of public health professionals and clinicians [53], and easily applied tools for identifying it are of great importance.…”

Sarkopenie: eine Herausforderung im Alter

“…Dort variieren die Prävalenzangaben von Sarkopenie in der Langzeitpflege zwischen 17,7 % und 73,3 % und in Einrichtungen für betreutes Wohnen zwischen 22 % und 87 %. Diskutiert für die große Varianz wurden die Unterschiede in Studiendesign, der Methodik und die Herangehensweise an die Sarkopeniediagnose, welche auch bei Interventionen berücksichtigt werden müssen [18].…”