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Muscle loss is a natural part of ageing, but it can also be caused by malnutrition, injury, illness, or prolonged periods of inactivity. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, MS, and arthritis. Muscle loss can lead to muscle atrophy, resulting in overall weakness, poor balance, and frailty. The good news is that it's possible to rebuild lost muscle through physical therapy, strength training, cardio, flexibility exercises, and a nutrition plan that includes more protein and calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age-related muscle loss | A natural part of getting older, but can be accelerated by injury, illness or prolonged inactivity |
| Muscle atrophy | Occurs after injury, illness or prolonged inactivity, leading to weakness, poor balance and frailty |
| Malnutrition | Inadequate nutritional intake can cause muscle loss |
| Muscular dystrophy | A group of progressive conditions that cause loss of muscle mass and weakness |
| Medical conditions | Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), MS, arthritis, and anorexia nervosa can all cause muscle wasting |
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What You'll Learn
Ageing
Muscle loss happens with ageing due to atrophy and loss of individual muscle fibres. The loss of muscle mass occurs from middle age onwards, and in severe cases can lead to a loss of around 50% by the 8th or 9th decade of life. The rate of decline in muscle mass worsens with each passing decade, and the decline in muscle strength is more dramatic, with a study finding muscle loss of between 35% and 40% between the ages of 20 and 80.
The loss of muscle strength with age can be surprising, as it can start as early as age 30. The rate of decline in muscle strength is greater than the loss of muscle mass and plays a crucial role in healthy ageing. When low muscle mass and function occur with ageing, it is known as sarcopenia.
Sarcopenia affects 30-40% of individuals in nursing homes. Mobility aids, such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, are commonly used by older adults, with 24% of those aged 65 and older relying on such aids.
The two main mechanisms regulating declines in muscle mass and function are muscle fibre atrophy and muscle fibre loss (hypoplasia). Anabolic resistance is fundamental in age-related fibre atrophy. Fibre loss is associated with denervation and remodelling of motor units.
The loss of muscle mass with age can be attributed to several factors, including reduced dietary protein intake, decreased physical activity, a decline in hormone levels, chronic inflammation, muscle denervation, mitochondrial dysfunction, infiltration of fat into muscle, and insulin resistance.
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Malnutrition
Muscle loss is a natural part of ageing, but it can be accelerated by injury, illness, or a prolonged period of inactivity. This can lead to muscle atrophy, which causes weakness, poor balance, and frailty.
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Muscular dystrophy
Muscle loss is a natural part of ageing, but it can also be caused by injury, illness, or prolonged periods of inactivity. It can also be caused by malnutrition, which can be brought on by anorexia nervosa, cancer, or persistent nausea.
There are several types of muscular dystrophy, each with its own unique characteristics and progression. Some types may progress slowly over many years, while others may result in rapid muscle deterioration and significant loss of function. The specific type of muscular dystrophy an individual has will determine the course of treatment and management.
While there is currently no cure for muscular dystrophy, ongoing research and advancements in medicine offer hope for improved treatments and potential future cures. It is important for individuals with muscular dystrophy to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a comprehensive management plan that includes physical therapy, nutritional support, and other interventions to help maintain muscle strength and function.
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Prolonged inactivity
Muscle atrophy is caused by a lack of physical activity, which results in the muscles weakening and shrinking. This can be prevented by engaging in physical therapy, strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises. A nutrition plan that includes more protein and calories can also help to rebuild lost muscle.
Muscle wasting can be caused by several medical conditions, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and arthritis. ALS damages the motor nerve cells that control the muscles, while MS causes harmful inflammation in the nerve fibres. Arthritis, meanwhile, causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
Age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia, is a common condition that affects people over the age of 65. The older a person gets, the longer it takes for the body to recover from dramatic muscle loss. However, with the right strategy, older adults can protect themselves from muscle atrophy and rebound more easily if it occurs.
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Medical conditions (e.g. ALS, MS, arthritis)
Muscle wasting is a loss of muscle mass due to the muscles weakening and shrinking. There are several possible causes of muscle wasting, including certain medical conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, which affects nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. Other medical conditions that can cause muscle wasting include dermatomyositis, which causes muscle weakness and skin rash; Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune condition that leads to nerve inflammation and muscle weakness; multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune condition in which the body destroys the protective coverings of nerves; muscular dystrophy, an inherited condition that causes muscle weakness; neuropathy, damage to a nerve or nerve group, resulting in loss of sensation or function; osteoarthritis, which causes reduced motion in the joints; and polio, a viral disease affecting muscle tissue that can lead to paralysis.
Spinal muscular atrophy is a condition similar to muscular dystrophy. It is genetic and occurs due to a loss of motor neurons, which are cells that control the muscles. The muscles in the body gradually weaken, usually affecting the muscles closer to the centre of the body most severely.
Muscle atrophy is the loss of muscle tissue. Sarcopenia is a type of muscle atrophy that specifically affects people as they grow older. With sarcopenia, muscle loss happens faster than the normal amount of muscle loss that everyone experiences as they age. However, the good news is that there are ways to treat and even reverse the effects of the condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle loss is the weakening and shrinking of muscles, which can lead to muscle atrophy.
Muscle loss is a natural part of ageing, but it can also be caused by malnutrition, injury, illness, or prolonged periods of inactivity.
Symptoms of muscle loss include overall weakness, poor balance, and frailty.
Yes, muscle loss can be prevented through physical therapy, strength training, cardio, flexibility exercises, and a nutrition plan that includes more protein and calories.
