Research has shown that individuals with sarcopenia, a condition characterized by a decrease in skeletal muscle mass, have a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those without it.

Skeletal muscle accounts for about one-third of body weight and is a muscle tissue connected to bones or tendons that enables movement. As people age, skeletal muscle mass decreases and function is lost, which can lead to sarcopenia.

 

A research team from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the United States, specializing in radiology and neurology, conducted a longitudinal study on 621 elderly individuals without dementia, tracking them for an average of 5.8 years. The team measured the size of the temporalis muscle using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to analyze the correlation between muscle mass loss and the risk of developing dementia. The temporalis muscle is used to move the lower jaw, and the researchers used its thickness and area as indicators of overall muscle loss. Dr. Kamiya Moradi, who led the study, stated, "The thickness and area of the temporalis muscle are among the indicators that show early signs of muscle mass reduction caused by aging, nutritional deficiencies, etc., and muscle mass assessment can be performed through non-invasive methods such as MRI or ultrasound scans."

The research team classified participants into a large group (131 people) and a small group (488 people) based on the cross-sectional area of the temporalis muscle. They measured the participants' risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, cognitive function, and changes in brain volume.

Analysis results showed that individuals with smaller temporalis muscle cross-sectional area had approximately a 60% higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to those with larger areas. During the follow-up period, smaller temporalis muscle cross-sectional area was associated with greater declines in memory composite scores, cognitive function questionnaire scores, and brain volume.

 

Dr. Moradi stated, "Measuring the size of the temporalis muscle as an indicator of skeletal muscle condition could allow for early diagnosis of dementia risk in the elderly," and added, "Early detection of high-risk groups for dementia enables timely interventions such as physical activity and nutritional management to prevent muscle loss."

 

To prevent sarcopenia related to aging, it is important to consume high-quality protein and engage in regular exercise. Elderly individuals should consume at least 1 gram of high-quality protein, such as eggs, tofu, or meat, per kilogram of body weight daily. Aerobic exercise can be performed at moderate intensity for 30 to 60 minutes a day, five days a week, or at high intensity for 20 to 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Strength training should not be done consecutively and is recommended to be performed at least twice a week.

 

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Sarcopenia

As you get older, you lose a lot of muscle mass.

Always manage it beforehand.

My mom is always nagging me, but...

It seems that squat exercises are good.