Sarcopenia: What Every NP Needs to Know

Evaluation of and Intervention for Sarcopenia in Hepatology Departments: A Survey of Nurses in Japan

Sarcopenia is associated with poor prognosis and decreased quality of life in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). The present study aimed to clarify the dissemination of interventions such as evaluations, prevention efforts, and treatments for sarcopenia among patients in hepatology outpatient departments and wards in Japan, as well as examine the factors related to such dissemination. A cross-sectional study was performed involving nurses from hospitals accredited by the Japan Society of Hepatology. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding evaluations and interventions for sarcopenia in their department. Nurses from 72 outpatient departments and 162 wards provided responses to the questionnaire. Overall, 37.9% of outpatient departments and 37.6% of wards performed evaluations or interventions for sarcopenia. Outpatient departments and wards that evaluated sarcopenia or intervened held more workshops or training regarding sarcopenia than departments and wards that did not (outpatient departments: 52.0% vs. 12.2%, wards: 32.1% vs. 12.9%). Holding workshops or training regarding sarcopenia (outpatient departments; OR = 7.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.12–26.6, wards; OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.11–6.15) was significantly associated with dissemination practices. These findings suggest that expanding knowledge of sarcopenia and developing practical skills among general nurses may aid in preventing sarcopenia among patients with CLD.

Optimising protein intake in older people to maintain their musculo- skeletal health

The concept of healthy ageing has become a significant aspect of the public health approach to older people's well-being. Physiological changes that occur with ageing, such as a lack of mobility and sarcopenia (an age-related decline in muscle mass and strength), have the potential to negatively affect older people's quality of life and musculoskeletal health, often contributing to falls and fractures. Protein intake is a crucial element in maintaining optimal health in older people, and is important in delaying sarcopenia. This article discusses the role of protein in healthy ageing and outlines various recommendations for optimising protein intake in older people.

Community-Based Older Adults' Acceptance of and Willingness Toward Waist Circumference Measurement

Older adults have higher rates of central obesity and greater risk for central obesity-related diseases compared to younger adults. Waist circumference measurement is a reliable indicator of preventable, central obesity-related disease risk. Despite its value, it is rarely measured in primary care settings due to providers' perceived patient discomfort with waist measurement. The current study examined community-based older adults' (N = 99) experience with, acceptance of, and willingness toward waist measurement. Ninety-two percent of participants reported never having waist measurement in primary care settings. Despite lack of waist measurement experience, 62.6% reported feeling "very" comfortable and 82.8% were "very willing" to have waist measurement. High acceptance of and willingness toward waist measurement in the absence of experience supports acceptability of waist measurement among older adults. Thus, providers are encouraged to use waist measurement to screen older adults for central obesity and associated disease risk. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(5), 11-15.].