Sarcopenia and frailty in individuals with dementia: A systematic review

Association between age-related sensory impairment with sarcopenia and its related components in older adults: a systematic review

Sensory impairments and sarcopenia are both highly prevalent age-related conditions, with the former having been postulated to contribute to the pathogenesis of the latter condition. Confirming this hypothesis may therefore help to better inform strategies for early treatment and intervention of sarcopenia. We performed a systematic review of the current literature examining the relationships between four major sensory impairments [vision (VI), hearing (HI), smell (SI), and taste (TI)] with (i) sarcopenia; and (ii) its associated components (low handgrip strength, slow gait speed, and low muscle mass). PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for observational studies investigating the relationship of VI, HI, SI, and TI with sarcopenia, low handgrip strength, slow gait speed, and low muscle mass, in adults aged 50 years or older, from inception until 24 May 2021. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This study was registered with PROSPERO, reference CRD42021247967. Ten cross-sectional and three longitudinal population-based studies of community-dwelling adults (N = 68 235) were included, with five studies investigating more than one sensory impairment. In total, 8, 6, 3, and 1 studies investigated the relationship between VI, HI, SI, and TI and sarcopenia and its related components, respectively. Follow-up duration for the longitudinal studies ranged from 4 to 11 years. All studies had a low or moderate risk of bias. We found that the presence of VI and SI, but not TI, independently increased the odds of sarcopenia. In addition, VI and SI were each independently associated with low muscle mass; and VI, HI, and SI were each independently associated with slow gait speed. However, we found inconclusive evidence for the associations between VI, HI and SI, and low handgrip strength. Our systematic review suggests a potential association between the presence of single or multiple sensory impairments and a greater likelihood of sarcopenia and/or deficits in its associated components, especially for VI, HI, and SI. Prospective studies are needed to untangle the relationship between sensory impairment and sarcopenia to better inform clinical guidelines for disease prevention and management.

Association between Oral Frailty and Physical Frailty among Rural Middle-Old Community-Dwelling People with Cognitive Decline in Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional study was conducted to clarify the association between oral frailty (OF) and physical frailty (PF). In total, 308 Taiwanese middle-old (75−84 years) community-dwelling people with cognitive decline were recruited from random rural community health care centers. Eight items were considered for the evaluation of their OF status. The Study of Osteoporotic Fracture index was used for frailty assessment, which revealed that 22% of the participants had PF. In an adjusted model, PF was significantly associated with the OF subdomains of difficult to eat hard food (p = 0.009), choking (p = 0.008), denture use (p = 0.008), and inability to chew hard food (p = 0.001); and high risk of OF (OR = 3.03; p = 0.002). After eight steps with elimination of the least significant independent variable, age (p= 0.008), self-reported health status of fair (p = 0.000) and poor (p = 0.000), mild cognitive impairment (p < 0.001) and denture use (p = 0.011) were found to be the indispensable predictors for PF. The logistic regression model with 5 indispensable variables had a predictive value of 78.2%. Longitudinal analyses are needed to examine whether OF is a risk factor for PF onset.

Clinical predictors of frailty in users of Secondary Care in Geriatrics and Gerontology

Abstract Objective To analyze the health predictors associated with frailty in the older population treated at a Secondary Care Service in Geriatrics and Gerontology, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional observational study involving a sample of 4,323 individuals aged 60 years or older that underwent a clinical-functional evaluation was conducted. Sociodemographic and clinical-functional variables were analyzed and compared against the dependent variable of the study: clinical-functional stratum, as measured by the Visual Frailty Scale, dichotomized into frail and non-frail. Univariate logistic regressions were performed and the variables with p-value <0.2 were submitted to multivariate regression by stepwise and forward methods of selecting variables in the equation. Results The potential explanatory value of the model was 70.4%. Seven variables were associated with frailty: age (OR 1.016; 95%CI: 1.001–1.028; p<0.001), dementia (OR 5.179; 95%CI: 3.839–5.961; p<0.001), depressive symptoms (OR 1.268; 95%CI: 1.090–1.475; p=0.002), urinary incontinence (OR 1.330; 95%CI: 1.153–1.535; p<0.001), changes in gait speed (OR 1.483; 95%CI: 1.287–1.709; p<0.001), calf circumference (OR 0.956; 95%CI: 0.932–0.982; p=0.001), and BMI (OR 1.026; 95%CI: 1.008–1.044; p=0.005). Conclusion Advanced age, dementia, depressive symptoms, and continence and gait changes were associated with frailty. The study results reveal an association of reduced calf circumference and increased BMI values with frailty in older adults and that dementia diagnosis had the strongest association with the frailty syndrome.

Preditores clínicos de fragilidade em usuários de serviço de Atenção Secundária em Geriatria e Gerontologia

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os preditores de saúde associados à fragilidade na população idosa atendida em um serviço de Atenção Secundária em Geriatria e Gerontologia, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Métodos Estudo observacional transversal, envolvendo amostra de 4.323 indivíduos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, submetidos a avaliação clínico-funcional. Selecionou-se variáveis sociodemográficas e clínico-funcionais que foram analisadas em comparação à variável dependente do estudo: estrato clínico-funcional por meio da Escala Visual de Fragilidade de forma dicotomizada em frágil e não frágil. Foram realizadas regressões logísticas univariadas. As variáveis com valor p<0,2 foram submetidas à regressão multivariada por meio dos métodos de stepwise e forward de seleção de variáveis na equação. Resultados O valor potencial de explicação do modelo foi de 70,4%. Sete variáveis relacionaram-se à fragilidade: idade (OR 1,016; IC 95%: 1,00–1,028; p<0,001), demência (OR 5,179; IC 95%: 3,839–5,961; p<0,001), sintomatologia depressiva (OR 1,268; IC 95: 1,090–1,475; p=0,002), incontinência urinária (OR 1,330; IC 95%: 1,153–1,535; p<0,001), alterações no padrão de marcha (OR 1,483; IC 95%: 1,287–1,709; p<0,001), circunferência de panturrilha (OR 0,956; IC 95%: 0,932–0,982; p=0,001), IMC (OR 1,026; IC 95%: 1,008–1,044; p=0,005). Conclusão A idade avançada, os quadros demenciais, sintomatologia depressiva, alterações esfincterianas e da marcha associaram-se com fragilidade. Destacam-se a associação entre fragilidade com mensurações reduzidas da circunferência de panturrilha e valores aumentados de IMC e o diagnóstico de demência como a maior força de associação com a síndrome de fragilidade.

Functional role of miR-34a in diabetes and frailty

Emerging evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical role in the pathogenesis of several disorders. In the present minireview, we focus our attention on the functional role of a specific miRNA, namely miR-34a, in the pathophysiology of frailty and diabetes mellitus. Based on the current literature, we speculate that this miRNA may serve as a potential biomarker of frailty in diabetic older adults. Additionally, its actions on oxidative stress might represent a druggable target to obtain new potentials treatments.

Can Muscle Mass Be Maintained with A Simple Resistance Intervention in the Older People? A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Thailand

The aging population is rapidly increasing worldwide. Sarcopenia is a common and important health problem among older people. The prevalence of sarcopenia among older Thai adults is increasing. Exercise intervention for sarcopenia prevention may significantly improve muscle strength, body balance, and muscle mass. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a simple resistance intervention (SRI) program in preventing sarcopenia on physiological outcomes among community-dwelling older Thai adults. This study was a 12-week randomized controlled trial, which included 80 community-dwelling older adults in Chiang Mai, Thailand, who were randomly assigned into control (40 participants who performed usual exercise) and intervention (40 participants who performed the SRI program) groups. The SRI program was a home-based program consisting of 30 min of resistance exercise three times/week for 12 weeks, health education on sarcopenia. After 12 weeks, all physiological outcomes were measured and were significantly improved in the intervention group compared with baseline; hand grip, skeletal muscle mass index, and walking speed were significantly improved in the intervention group compared with the control group. Based on our results, the SRI program may prevent muscle weakness in community-dwelling older people in Thailand.

A Multifactorial Approach for Sarcopenia Assessment: A Literature Review

Simple Summary

Sarcopenia is characterized by an accelerated decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength, which results in poor quality of life, disability, and death. In the literature, sarcopenia is defined as the progressive breakdown of muscle tissue. The prevalence ranges from 5% to 13% in people 60–70 years old and from 11% to 50% in people older than 80 years. The comparison of risk factors associated with sarcopenia based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia (1 and 2) in Older People, the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (1 and 2), the International Working Group on Sarcopenia, and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health revealed no consistent patterns. Accordingly, the identification of a single risk factor for sarcopenia is unpredictable. Due to its “multifactorial” pathogenesis related to the involvement of a multitude of factors. In this review, we summarize 13 relevant risk factors associated with this disease that are important to consider prior to embarking on any related sarcopenia research. We suggest that researchers should concentrate on the biology of sarcopenia to develop a uniform consensus for screening this condition. In this review, we identify 50 biochemical markers across six pathways that have previously been investigated in subjects with sarcopenia. We suggest that these summarized biomarkers can be considered in future diagnosis to determine the biology of this disorder, thereby contributing to further research findings. As a result, a uniform consensus may also need to be established for screening and defining the disease. Sarcopenia is associated with a number of adverse economic and social outcomes, including disability, hospitalization, and death. In relation to this, we propose that we need to develop strategies including exercise interventions in the COVID-19 era to delay the onset and effects of sarcopenia. This suggestion should impact on sarcopenia’s primary and secondary outcomes, including physical, medical, social, and financial interactions.

Abstract

Sarcopenia refers to a progressive and generalized weakness of skeletal muscle as individuals age. Sarcopenia usually occurs after the age of 60 years and is associated with a persistent decline in muscle strength, function, and quality. A comparison of the risk factors associated with sarcopenia based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia (1 and 2) in Older People, the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (1 and 2), the International Working Group on Sarcopenia, and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health revealed no consistent patterns. Accordingly, the identification of a single risk factor for sarcopenia is unpredictable due to its “multifactorial” pathogenesis, with the involvement of a multitude of factors. Therefore, the first aim of this review was to outline and propose that the multiple factors associated with sarcopenia need to be considered in combination in the design of new experimentation in this area. A secondary aim was to highlight the biochemical risk factors that are already identified in subjects with sarcopenia to assist scientists in understanding the biology of the pathophysiological mechanisms affecting the old people with sarcopenia. We also briefly discuss primary outcomes (physical) and secondary outcomes (social and financial) of sarcopenia. For future investigative purposes, this comprehensive review may be useful in considering important risk factors in the utilization of a panel of biomarkers emanating from all pathways involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. This may help to establish a uniform consensus for screening and defining this disease. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact may be exacerbated in older populations, which requires immediate attention. Here, we briefly suggest strategies for advancing the development of smart technologies to deliver exercise in the COVID-19 era in an attempt regress the onset of sarcopenia. These strategies may also have an impact on sarcopenia’s primary and secondary outcomes.

Sarcopenia in patients with dementia: correlation of temporalis muscle thickness with appendicular muscle mass

Cognitive decline is one of the most relevant signs of sarcopenia; however, it is challenging to perform tests for sarcopenia in patients with dementia. In a recent study, temporalis muscle thickness (TMT), an alternative to appendicular muscle mass (ASM), was found to be a valid index for screening sarcopenia. This study aimed to determine whether TMT correlates with ASM and evaluate the relationship between TMT and cognitive function in dementia patients. We recruited patients with a complaint of memory loss who visited the Memory Clinic of Konkuk University Medical Center between November 2014 and December 2020. Patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) without weakness were included. TMT was measured on axial T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images, perpendicular to the long axis of the temporal muscle, at the orbital roof level. ASM was measured using body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). It was calculated as the sum of lean soft tissue mass in the arms and legs, and the value by ASM divided by height squared was used. Inter-rater reliability and intra-rater reliability were good and excellent, respectively. We found a correlation between TMT and skeletal ASM, which was obtained from cranial MR images and DXA, respectively (r = 0.379, p = 0.001). TMT was negatively correlated with age (r =  - 0.296, p = 0.014) and positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.303, p = 0.012). Additionally, TMT was correlated with MMSE (r = 0.350, p = 0.003). After adjusting for educational years, there was still a correlation between TMT and MMSE (r = 0.256, p = 0.038). This study demonstrated that TMT correlates with ASM and cognitive function in patients with dementia. Measuring TMT using cranial MR images could help diagnose sarcopenia accessibly and assess cognitive function in patients with dementia.

Potentially Inappropriate Drug Duplication in a Cohort of Older Adults with Dementia

BACKGROUND

Concurrent use of 2 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, loop diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or anticoagulants is considered potentially inappropriate by Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions and Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment criteria.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to examine drug duplication in a cohort of older adults with dementia.

METHODS

Cohort entry for Nova Scotia Seniors' Pharmacare Program beneficiaries was the date an International Classification of Diseases ninth edition or 10th edition code for dementia was recorded in accessed databases between March 1, 2005, and March 31, 2015. Medication dispensation and sociodemographic data were captured from the Nova Scotia Seniors' Pharmacare Program database between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2015. Duplication was considered when 2 drugs from the same class were dispensed such that the supply in the patient's possession could overlap for more than 30 days. We reported number of cases of duplication and duration of overlap. Sex differences in drug duplication were assessed with bivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

In the cohort of 28,953 Nova Scotia Seniors' Pharmacare Program beneficiaries with dementia, we documented concurrent use in 101 (1.7%) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs users (mean duration = 75.6 days), 95 (1.0%) selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors users (mean duration = 146.6 days), 5 (0.07%) loop diuretic users (mean duration = 530.6 days), 183 (2.0%) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor users (mean duration = 123.9 days), and 160 (3.5%) anticoagulant users (mean duration = 63.6 days). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug pairs were most commonly celecoxib with naproxen or diclofenac. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors duplication was most commonly sertraline with citalopram. No sex differences in risk for drug duplication were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Drug duplication was identified in a cohort of older adults with dementia and is a feasible target for intervention. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2021; 82:XXX-XXX).

Symptoms Based on Deficiency Syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine Might Be Predictor of Frailty in Elderly Community Dwellers

BACKGROUND

The most widely used frailty phenotype and frailty indexes are either time-consuming or complicated, thus restricting their generalization in clinical practice; and therefore, an easier and faster screening tool is needed to be developed.

OBJECTIVE

To select sensitive symptoms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and study whether they can improve the risk prediction of frailty.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study enrolling 2249 Chinese elderly community dwellers. Data were collected via face-to-face inquiries, anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, and community health files. Frailty was the main outcome measure, and it was evaluated by Fried's frailty phenotype (FP). The ordinal logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with frailty. The risk assessment plot was used to compare the discriminative ability for frailty among models with and without TCM symptoms.

RESULTS

The identified sensitive influential factors for frailty included age, education level, dietary habits, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cerebral infarction, osteoporosis, cold limbs, lethargy and laziness in speaking and moving, weakness of lower limbs, slow movement, dry mouth and throat, and glazed expression. The risk prediction for "frailty cumulative components ≥1" was not significantly increased, while for "frailty cumulative components ≥2", a new model developed with the above selected TCM symptoms had a higher AUC than the baseline model without it (0.79 VS 0.81, P=0.002). And the NRI and IDI for the new model were 41.4% (P=0.016) and 0.024% (P=0.041), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This research might provide an easier and faster way for early identification and risk prediction of frailty in elderly community dwellers.

A Retrospective Analysis of Swallowing Function and Physiology in Patients Living with Dementia

Dysphagia is commonly diagnosed in patients living with dementia, but we lack understanding of changes in swallowing physiology and the resulting relationship to impairments of safety and efficiency. The purpose of this study was to describe the pathophysiology of dysphagia in a retrospective sample of patients living with dementia. Videofluoroscopy data from 106 adults (mean age: 84) diagnosed with dementia were scored by blinded raters. Raters analyzed 412 thin liquid swallows for safety [Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS)], efficiency [% of (C2-C4)²], timing [Pharyngeal Transit Time (PTT), Swallow Reaction Time (SRT), Laryngeal Vestibule Closure Reaction Time (LVCrt), Upper Esophageal Sphincter Opening Duration (UESO)], and kinematics (pharyngeal constriction). Impairment thresholds from existing literature were used to characterize swallowing. Chi-square tests and Pearson's correlations were used to determine associations between swallowing physiology and function. Compared to published norms, we identified significant differences in PTT, SRT, LVCrt, UESO, and degree of maximum pharyngeal constriction. Unsafe swallowing (PAS > 2) was seen in 17% of swallows. Clinically significant residue (i.e., % of (C2-C4)² > 0.54 vallecular; > 0.34 pyriforms) was seen in most patients. Chi-square tests revealed significant associations between LVCrt and unsafe swallowing. There was a weak positive association between post-swallow residue in the pyriforms and poor pharyngeal constriction. Detailed analysis of swallowing physiology in this sample provides insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with dysphagia in patients living with dementia. Further work is needed to explore additional bolus consistencies and to identify how physiology changes based on type and severity of dementia diagnosis.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sarcopenia among Older Adults Aged ≥65 Years Admitted to Daycare Centers of Taiwan: Using AWGS 2019 Guidelines

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome which is likely to cause disability, body unbalance, and mortality and thus can lead to heavy healthcare expenditure and caregiver burden. Although some studies have addressed the prevalence of sarcopenia for older adults, there are limited studies conducted in daycare centers. The present study aimed to (i) estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia and (ii) explore associated factors of sarcopenia and standing balance among older adults admitted to daycare centers in Taiwan. The cross-sectional study collected data on demographics, health status, handgrip strength, gait speed (GS), skeletal muscle mass, Taiwan-Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (TW-MNA-SF), and Short Physical Performance Battery from daycare centers in northern Taiwan. The definition of sarcopenia followed the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 guidelines. Among 173 participants ≥65 year-old, 50.9% had confirmed sarcopenia, 47.4% possible sarcopenia, and 1.7% normal. Results showed that calf circumference, TW-MNA-SF, dementia, and body mass index (BMI) were associated with sarcopenia. Moreover, BMI, GS, and sarcopenia were associated factors of standing balance. The study estimated a high prevalence of sarcopenia in daycare centers and identified some significant factors of sarcopenia and standing balance. Early nutritional and physiotherapy interventions could benefit older adults to prevent sarcopenia or unbalance.

Kidney Function, Kidney Function Decline, and the Risk of Dementia in Older Adults: A Registry-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

Community-based reports regarding the association between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and dementia risk show conflicting results. The aim of this study is to investigate the links among kidney function, kidney function decline, and dementia incidence.

METHODS

We analyzed the association of eGFR with the risk of dementia (defined as a new dementia diagnosis or initiation of dementia treatments) among 329,822 residents of Stockholm who accessed health care during 2006 to 2011, were ≥65 years of age, had no history of dementia, or underwent kidney replacement therapy. We also estimated the rate of eGFR decline among 205,622 residents with repeated eGFR measurements during the first year of observation and investigated its association with subsequent dementia risk.

RESULTS

We detected 18,983 cases of dementia (5.8% of participants) over a median follow-up of 5 years. Dementia incidence rates were progressively higher with lower eGFR: from 6.56/1,000 person-years in those with eGFR of 90 to 104 mL/min to 30.28/1,000 person-years in those with eGFR <30 mL/min. After multivariable adjustment, lower eGFR was associated with a higher dementia risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.54-1.91 in eGFR 30-59 mL/min; HR 2.62, 95% CI 1.91-3.58 in eGFR <30 mL/min) compared with eGFR of 90 to 104 mL/min. A steeper decline in eGFR (decline >2 mL/min/1.73 m2/y) within 1 year was associated with higher dementia risk. Risk magnitudes were stronger for vascular dementia than for Alzheimer dementia. As many as 10% (95% CI 6%-14%) of dementia cases could be attributed to eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, a proportion higher than that attributed to other dementia risk factors such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Both lower kidney function and steeper kidney function decline are associated with the development of dementia.

Health-related physical indicators and self-rated quality of life in older adults with neurocognitive disorder

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify the association between health-related physical indicators-sarcopenia-related factors, physical fitness, independence in activities of daily living (ADL) and habitual physical activity-and self-rated quality of life (QoL) in people with neurocognitive disorder (NCD).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 115 participants (78.22 ± 7.48 years; 74.8% female) clinically diagnosed with NCD. Self-rated QoL was evaluated using The Quality of Life-Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD). Dual energy X-ray Absorptiometry, handgrip strength, Short Physical Performance Battery, and the 6-m Walk test were used to assess sarcopenia-related factors. Senior Fitness Test and One Leg Balance test, Barthel Index, Baecke Modified Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to determine physical fitness, independence in ADL and physical activity, respectively. Regressions analyses were performed to examine associations between these variables and QoL-AD.

RESULTS

Data from univariable linear regression analysis revealed that self-rated QoL was associated with sarcopenia-related factors (lower body function, handgrip strength, gait speed, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index-ASMI), physical fitness (upper-and-lower-body strength, agility/dynamic balance, cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index), habitual physical activity and independence in ADL. Results from multivariable regression analysis showed that ASMI (B = 1.846, 95% CI 0.165-3.527, p = 0.032) and lower body function (B = 0.756, 95% CI 0.269-1.242, p = 0.003) were positively associated with self-rated QoL. These variables explained 20.1% of the variability seen in self-rated QoL, controlling for age, sex, marital status and education.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia-related factors, namely lower body function and ASMI, should be acknowledged in future research studies as critical health-related indicators associated with QoL in people with NCD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov-identifier number NCT04095962.