Muscle and Bone Mass Loss in the Elderly Population: Advances in diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Aging is the result of different functional changes leading to a substantial reduction of all human capabilities. A variety of anatomical and physiological changes occur with advancing age. These changes are more evident in the elderly population. There are various methods to measure muscle and bone mass loss, but the dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is considered one of the most efficient. The elderly population (65 years and older) has been increasing throughout the years. Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and loss bone mass (osteopenia or osteoporosis) with advancing age, when untreated, represent a major public health problem for the elderly population and may result in loss of independence in later life. Untreated age-related sarcopenia and osteopenia/osteoporosis increase the risk for falls and fractures, making older individuals more susceptible to the development of mobility limitations or severe disabilities that ultimately affect their capacity for independence. In this review, we will discuss the muscle and bone mass loss in the elderly population and advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Natural and Synthetic Polymers for Bone Scaffolds Optimization

“…Bone tissue fractures or loss cause mobility limitation and severe disabilities that represent one of the major public health problems. In this social context, one of the most promising strategies for bone injury treatment is regenerative medicine, and nowadays, research has been focusing on scaffold optimization in order to guarantee extra cellular matrix-like support to the cells [1]. The relevant role of the emerging scaffold-based strategy in the bone tissue regeneration field will be highlighted after a brief introduction concerning the bone's structure and composition, its physiological remodeling, and conventional therapies.…”

Sarcopenia and Bone Mass Loss as Risks during Aging on Female Elderly with Light Activity

“…Mechanism of estrogen reduction may have a negative effect on muscle mass although the mechanism is not well understood. However, it may be related to an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-6, which to be implicated mechanism of sarcopenia [14]. The bone-muscle unit influenced by some factors such as sex, nutrition, weight, age, and physical activity [15], [16].…”

Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Nutrition: Where Are We and Where Are We Heading?

“…One possible explanation for the decrease in the pH level among people with CLBP is raised lactate levels, which may cause acidity at the intervertebral discs and stimulate the nerve roots 0054. Blood acidity can also decrease the calcium density of bones,0055 thereby causing osteoporosis and resulting in musculoskeletal pain conditions 0056…”

“…53,54 Blood acidity can also decrease the calcium density of bones, 55 thereby causing osteoporosis and resulting in musculoskeletal pain conditions. 56 Blood pH levels can be influenced by food intake. 57,58 Excessive intake of protein, especially meat, increases acidity, whereas fruit and vegetable consumption balances acidity via their alkaline effects.…”