Sarcopenia: What Every NP Needs to Know

• Sarcopenia is insidious and requires health care providers to be vigilant.
• Sarcopenia is a complex geriatric condition that manifests in the loss of muscle mass and function.
• Negative outcomes include significant health care costs and significant morbidity.
• Diagnosis requires screening, performance of simple tests, and imaging.
• Diet and exercise are fundamental to the treatment, and collaboration ensures optimal outcomes.

Sarcopenia is a complex geriatric condition resulting in age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Onset occurs in adults as young as 40 years old and affects up to 50% of those over 80 years of age. Sarcopenia results in reduced quality of life, disability, and significant health care costs. Diagnosis involves a history, physical, and imaging tests. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach to address comorbidities, diet, and exercise prescription. As gatekeepers in primary care, nurse practitioners' knowledge of evidenced-based interventions for sarcopenia is critical if they are to be an effective part of the solution for this significant health care challenge.