Current and future pharmacologic treatment of sarcopenia

Clin Geriatr Med. 2011 Aug;27(3):423-47. doi: 10.1016/j.cger.2011.03.008. Epub 2011 May 14.

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a complex multifactorial condition that can by treated with multimodal approaches. No pharmacologic agent to prevent or treat sarcopenia has been as efficacious as exercise (mainly resistance training) in combination with nutritional intervention (adequate protein and energy intake). However, performing resistance training sessions and following nutritional advice can be challenging, especially for frail, sarcopenic, elderly patients, and results remain only partial. Therefore, new pharmacologic agents may substantially reduce the functional decline in older people. This article reviews the new pharmacologic agents currently being assessed for treating sarcopenia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy / trends*
  • Frail Elderly
  • Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Muscle Weakness / drug therapy*
  • Muscle Weakness / etiology
  • Muscle Weakness / physiopathology
  • Sarcopenia / diagnosis
  • Sarcopenia / drug therapy*
  • Sarcopenia / physiopathology

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Hormones