What is unexplained loss of muscle mass?
Unexplained loss of muscle mass, known medically as idiopathic sarcopenia, is a concerning condition marked by the gradual wasting away of skeletal muscle without an identified cause. Some key points about idiopathic sarcopenia:
- Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, reduced muscle strength, and difficulty performing daily activities requiring physical exertion. Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk are also common.
- The condition typically affects adults over the age of 60, but can occasionally impact younger individuals. Men tend to be more frequently affected than women.
- Potential causes that are still being investigated include mitochondrial dysfunction, hormonal changes, inflammatory responses, nerve damage, and issues with protein synthesis. In many cases, no cause is found.
- Diagnosis involves blood tests to rule out other explanations for muscle loss like malnutrition or overactive thyroid. Imaging and muscle biopsies may also be used.
If you or a loved one are experiencing concerning unexplained muscle loss, I encourage you to