Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Its Association with Mental Health Status in Elderly Patients: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia, characterized by loss of muscle mass and function, is a significant health concern in aging populations. While its physical consequences are well-documented, the relationship between sarcopenia and mental health remains understudied. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with mental health status, including depression, cognitive function, anxiety, and loneliness, among elderly patients.

METHODOLOGY

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 407 participants aged ≥65. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the modified Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Mental health was assessed using validated scales: the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA-3). Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between sarcopenia and mental health outcomes.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 49.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.0%-54.8%), with higher rates in older age groups and women. After adjusting for confounders, sarcopenia was significantly associated with depression (odds ratio [OR]: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.51-3.44, < 0.001) and cognitive impairment (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.17-2.96, = 0.009). Associations with anxiety (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 0.93-2.38, = 0.095) and loneliness (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.00-2.31, = 0.049) were observed but did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia is highly prevalent among elderly patients and is independently associated with adverse mental health outcomes, particularly depression and cognitive impairment. These findings underscore the importance of integrated physical and mental health interventions in the care of older adults with sarcopenia.