Research this disease and tell us about certain aspects of the disease. Make sure to include:
The name I have is: Sarcopenia
Name
Etiology
Epidemiology
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatments
Prognosis
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Some of these diseases affect other organ systems as well; please mention these systems but mostly focus on their effects on the muscular system since that is this module\’s topic.
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Imbalances in the Muscular System
Student’s Name
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Imbalances in the Muscular System
Introduction
Sarcopenia is a condition marked by the loss of skeletal muscles mass and function. Although sarcopenia is primarily an illness of the elderly, it is development may be linked to conditions that are not exclusively seen in the elderly. The illness is related to the progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscles mass and strength (Wackerhage, 2017). It is strictly correlated with poor quality of life, physical disability, and death. This paper provides an in-depth discussion of sarcopenia to gain more knowledge of the disease.
Etiology
There are several causes of Sarcopenia such as anabolic resistance, a loss of motor neurons and muscle fibers, chronic low-grade inflammation, and impaired regeneration, and a decline of testosterone in hypogonadal men (Shimokata et al., 2018). For example, during normal aging, spinal limb motor neurons and vastus lateralis muscle fibers are lost. Regarding anabolic resistance, muscle fibers hypertrophy occurs when protein synthesis exceeds breakdown. In fasted muscle, protein outcome between young and old muscle is not much different (Wackerhage, 2017). However, young muscles often increase protein synthesis more than old muscles when stimulated with essential amino acids. The decreased response of old muscles to anabolic stimulus is referred to as anabolic resistance.
Epidemiology
The loss of the disease is higher among patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, the chances of developing the disease increases among people aged 65 and above. However, people aged 80 years and above have a greater chance of developing the disease (De Pietro, 2017). People aged between 60 to 70 years old have prevalence rates of 5 to 13%. On the other hand, people aged 60 years and above have a prevalence rate from 11% to 50%.
Signs and Symptoms
People who have sarcopenia experience several symptoms such as general weakness and loss of stamina. People diagnosed with the illness have low muscle mass and gradual loss of muscle (Wackerhage, 2017). They experience reduced physical activity due to muscle mass loss.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of sarcopenia is usually confirmed by the presence of low muscle quantity. The doctor may recommend a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). It measures bone density and osteoporosis (De Pietro, 2017). Walking speed tests is another diagnostic method that can be used. Some doctors perform handgrip strength tests to diagnose sarcopenia.
Treatments
There is no medication currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat sarcopenia. However, there are some methods used to manage the condition. Treatment with testosterone may be used in patients with low testosterone (Wackerhage, 2017). Growth hormone therapy may help increase muscle mass and strength in patients with hypopituitarism. Physical exercise and nutritional remedies are also treatment methods used.
Prognosis
Sarcopenia results in lower quality of life. The disease is also associated with frailty, a higher risk of falls, and the likelihood of sustaining fractures after falling. The presence of the disease also increases the risk of death (Shimokata et al., 2018). The presence of sarcopenic obesity has also been reported to increase the risk of infections after cardiac surgery.
Conclusion
Sarcopenia is a condition involving the loss of skeletal muscles mass and function. The main cause of the disease is aging, as motor neurons gradually die. It is more prevalent among people aged 80 years and above. Symptoms include general weakness and reduced physical activity. Diagnosis involves the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Treatment includes exercise and hormone therapy. It is associated with lower quality of life.
References
De Pietro, M. (2017). Sarcopenia: What you need to know. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318501
Shimokata, H., Shimada, H., Satake, S., Endo, N., Shibasaki, K., Ogawa, S., & Arai, H. (2018). Chapter 2 Epidemiology of sarcopenia. Geriatrics & gerontology international, 18, 13-22. https://doi.org/10.1111/ggi.13320
Wackerhage, H. (2017). Sarcopenia: causes and treatments. German Journal of Sports Medicine, 68(7-8), 178-183. https://doi.org/10.5960/dzsm.2017.289.