Sarcopenia in older people with multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Older people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) make up over one-third of the MS population. Ageing increases the risk of sarcopenia, characterised by reduced muscle mass, strength, and function. MS symptoms likely exacerbate sarcopenia, but its impact on older pwMS remains largely unexplored

Objectives

The primary aim of this study was to investigate how the diagnosis of sarcopenia using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) diagnostic tool in older pwMS is influenced by using upper extremity-based or lower extremity-based tests.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study analysed baseline data from the PoTOMS trial. A total of n = 41 older pwMS and n = 27 healthy controls (HC) were included. Participants were assessed for sarcopenia using the EWGSOP2 diagnostic tools and a lower extremity muscle strength test.

Results

Older pwMS had a preferentially lower muscle mass and strength in the lower extremities compared to HC. According to EWGSOP2 criteria, 5 % of older pwMS had reduced upper extremity strength, 7 % had reduced lower extremity strength, and 15 % had sarcopenic muscle mass. However, only 5 % were diagnosed with sarcopenia despite these reductions.

Conclusion

The present study shows that the sarcopenia diagnosis in older pwMS is more sensitive when using a lower extremity test, underlined by the preferentially lower muscle mass and strength in older pwMS compared to HC. Hence, when evaluating sarcopenia in older pwMS the diagnostics test should rely on the lower extremity test.