Sarcopenia Cognitive Decline describes the clinically observed, often bidirectional relationship between the progressive, age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) and the simultaneous deterioration of cognitive functions, such as memory and executive control. This link highlights the profound muscle-brain axis, suggesting that skeletal muscle acts as an endocrine organ releasing myokines that influence brain health. Addressing muscle loss is therefore recognized as a critical intervention for mitigating age-related cognitive impairment and supporting overall neurological resilience. This represents a systemic view of aging pathology.
Origin
This phrase is a clinical construct integrating two distinct but increasingly linked pathologies of aging: Sarcopenia, derived from the Greek sarx (flesh) and penia (poverty), and Cognitive Decline, a central concept in gerontology and neurology. The connection emphasizes the systemic, non-localized nature of the aging process.
Mechanism
The mechanistic link is mediated by several factors, including chronic low-grade inflammation and the endocrine function of muscle tissue. Sarcopenia is often associated with elevated systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and induce neuroinflammation, directly impairing cognitive function. Conversely, muscle contraction releases beneficial myokines, such as Irisin and Cathepsin B, which promote neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. The loss of muscle mass thus removes a protective, neuro-supportive hormonal signal, contributing to the observed decline in brain function.
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