The term sarcopenia was first proposed in 1989 to describe the loss of muscle mass, but sarcopenia in older adults didn’t receive an official ICD code until 2016. “Since sarcopenia received an ICD code, its diagnosis has increased multifold from 0.01% of Medicare beneficiaries in 2017 to 0.07% in 2022,” stated Eric Christensen, PhD, Research Director at the Neiman Health Policy Institute. According to this report on CT use and sarcopenia diagnosis, even with the increase, sarcopenia remains vastly underdiagnosed—despite estimates suggesting 10–27% of older adults may be living with the condition.
Sarcopenia is defined by a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, increasing the risk of falls, metabolic disorders, cognitive decline, and even mortality in aging populations. Unlike osteoporosis, which benefits from established screening via DXA scans, sarcopenia lacks standardized diagnostic codes and routine assessments. Interestingly, researchers have observed a sharp rise in abdominal CT scans during the 90 days preceding a sarcopenia diagnosis—suggesting that imaging is being used, sometimes opportunistically, to detect muscle-wasting in seniors.
Another layer to the problem? Disparities in access. “Socioeconomic disadvantage is likely to increase both the risk of developing sarcopenia and reduce access to prevention and treatments, i.e., diet and exercise approaches,” says Associate Professor Maria O’Sullivan of Trinity College Dublin. Her study on socioeconomic risk calls for more inclusive and accessible prevention strategies to reach at-risk populations.
Bottom line—sarcopenia in older adults is a major contributor to falls and frailty. It’s time to gather your interdisciplinary team—dietary, therapy, restorative, and activities—and get creative about improving nutrition and increasing movement in your community. Start small, think big, and act fast.
This bibliometric analysis explores the link between sarcopenia and frailty and identifies potential areas for intervention. It’s worth a read as you brainstorm your next steps.
Stay well and stay informed!
