Sarcopenie: screening en diagnose

In 2018, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older Persons 2 (EWGSOP2) launched the new European definition of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is defined as muscle failure that can occur at all ages. While low muscle mass played a central role in previous definitions of sarcopenia, the current definition uses low muscle strength as its key indicator. EWGSOP2 provides clear guidelines for assessing the components of sarcopenia (muscle strength, muscle mass and functional performance) and their clinical cut-points, and provides an algorithm for diagnosing sarcopenia. This clinical lesson describes the screening for sarcopenia using the SARC-F tool and the diagnosis of sarcopenia according to the EWGSOP2 algorithm. Moreover the preferred treatment of sarcopenia is described. This information will facilitate the diagnosis of sarcopenia in clinical practice and its active treatment, in order to support the functional status and level of independence of older persons.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.