Anne-Julie Tessier
PhD student in Human Nutrition
McGill University
Award-winning publication: Physical function‐derived cut‐points for the diagnosis of sarcopenia and dynapenia from the Canadian longitudinal study on aging
Published in: Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle
Abstract
The population is ageing rapidly. In Canada, there are now more seniors than children. With age, loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), loss of muscle strength (dynapenia) and physical disabilities often occur and can lead to lost independence and quality of life. While sarcopenia is recognized as a muscle disorder, it is difficult to establish a clear diagnosis. Anne-Julie Tessier and her collaborators therefore sought to identify diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia and dynapenia to predict physical function impairments in a large contemporary cohort: the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. Advanced analyses were carried out on men and women aged 65 to 86 in 11 cities across the country. They underwent a number of tests to assess their physical performances and muscle strength. The criteria that emerged from the study may now be used by clinicians in Canada and similar populations to diagnose sarcopenia and dynapenia and recommend prevention and treatment strategies.