Loss of strength in old age - stopping muscle atrophy

When the muscles weaken

Typical signs of loss of strength in old age are limitations in everyday activities (e.g. when standing up or sitting down from or on a chair), reduced walking speed (e.g. difficulty crossing a road when the light turns green), increased risk of falling or reduced immunocompetence (depending on the extent of the sarcopenia).

Psychological side effects of sarcopenia are a reduction in cognitive abilities. This concerns

• Language
• Memory
• Reflection
• Decision-making ability
• Problem-solving behaviour

What helps with loss of strength in old age?

The earlier an age-related loss of strength is detected, the greater the chances that therapy will lead to positive results. The basis of the diagnosis is always that both the muscle mass and the muscle strength of those affected are precisely determined.

For sarcopenia screening, the patient's gait speed is measured. If it is less than 0.8 metres per second, further clarification is required.

At Bethesda Hospital, we offer further diagnostic methods: These include muscle mass determination by imaging, e.g. using the BIA or DEXA method (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry). A dynamometric muscle strength measurement can also be carried out: This involves asking the patient to squeeze an instrument, known as a hand dynamometer, with their hand.

Another diagnostic method we use is the "chair stand test", in which a functional evaluation is carried out by repeatedly sitting on or standing up from a chair. Assessment questionnaires (SARC-F screening) are also used to further clarify sarcopenia.

What to do if you lose strength in old age?

The best therapy for muscle atrophy and all its consequences is the combination of targeted exercise therapy with the right diet.

As far as physical training is concerned, the best experience to date has been with weight-bearing strength training. This tends to be performed slowly and only with light or medium weights until the patient can no longer perform the exercises. Training with a lot of weight and at a fast pace is not suitable as it harbours too high a risk of injury.

When it comes to nutrition in old age, people with sarcopenia should make sure they consume enough high-quality protein. The amino acid leucine, which is found in both plant and animal protein, is particularly important for maintaining and building muscle. Cheese, especially parmesan, nuts, fish and meat, for example, are very rich in leucine. But pulses (especially soya beans) also contain a lot of leucine. Our nutritional specialists at Bethesda Hospital will help you to adapt your diet in order to get muscle loss under control.

Half of all men over 80 are affected

Studies in Europe and the USA show that up to 30% of women and up to 50% of men over the age of 80 suffer from loss of strength in old age. People living in retirement and nursing homes are affected even more frequently, as their mobility is usually restricted.