ABSTRACT
Physical exercise with resistance training is considered the most effective treatment for sarcopenia. Resistance changes metabolic signaling to effectively maintain muscle mass, but only 15% of United States adults achieve recommended levels of physical activity. Sarcopenia is a significant contributor to orthopedic conditions among the elderly, particularly hip fractures. This chapter details pharmacologic strategies for sarcopenia risk reduction and management. Medications exert both favorable and unfavorable effects on muscle metabolism. Clinicians aware of these well-studied mechanisms select medications, hormone therapies, and nutrients to minimize adverse effects and potentially preserve muscle mass in patients at risk for sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is sometimes considered a silent disease, often unrecognized until its clinical manifestations are many. Diagnosis is therefore very important. Current diagnostic tools are broken into two categories: muscle size and physical performance.
