Be Cautious of Sarcopenia, as Choking While Eating Could Be a Sign! Those with Osteoporosis Have Higher Disease Risk

Dr. Yang Hui-Dai, Director of the Rehabilitation Department at Taipei City Hospital Yangming Branch, points out that as we age or due to chronic conditions like diabetes, it's possible to experience a decrease in muscle mass, leading to "sarcopenia." Most individuals with sarcopenia may exhibit weight loss and a reduction in leg circumference, but some might not experience weight or leg circumference changes while still having sarcopenia. This phenomenon occurs because while muscle atrophy takes place, it's replaced by the accumulation of fatty tissue, resulting in a condition known as "sarcopenic obesity.

Dr. Yang Hui-Dai, the Director of the Rehabilitation Department at Taipei City Hospital Yangming Branch, explains that with age or chronic conditions like diabetes, muscle mass may decrease, leading to "sarcopenia." A simple self-test involves using the thumb and index finger of both hands to measure the thickest part of the calf. If the fingers cannot touch, it suggests adequate muscle mass. If there's a gap or they can be circled easily, it may indicate a risk of sarcopenia.

Furthermore, walking can help assess the risk of sarcopenia:

• Walking across a 4-lane road in 15 seconds.

• Covering more than 1 meter per second.

• Walking 1000 steps in 10 minutes.

• Walking around a primary school track (200 meters) in 2 minutes.

• Standing up and sitting down 5 times within 12 seconds without support.

Sarcopenia isn't limited to affecting limb muscles; it can also impact the muscles involved in swallowing. Dr. Yang explains that reduced muscle mass in these groups can lead to difficulty in performing effective chewing and swallowing actions, leading to swallowing disorders known as "sarcopenic dysphagia." This can cause a cycle where the resulting malnutrition worsens the condition of insufficient muscle mass, creating a vicious cycle.

Dr. Yang mentions that sarcopenic dysphagia is not uncommon in the population aged 65 and above. Apart from swallowing difficulties or choking symptoms, it might lead to hoarseness as well.

Addressing sarcopenic dysphagia involves physical and functional therapy, personalized swallowing rehabilitation training, and improving muscle endurance and coordination in limb and swallowing muscle groups. It also includes adjusting the texture of food, providing sufficient nutritional supplementation, and enhancing swallowing techniques. This can prevent falling into the vicious cycle associated with sarcopenia.

Medical research has found that individuals with osteoporosis are more likely to have sarcopenia. There's a synergistic relationship between the two conditions. If there are suspicions of muscle loss, weakness, or swallowing difficulties, it's advisable to seek medical evaluation and consider rehabilitation therapy.

Dr. Yang emphasizes that both sarcopenia and sarcopenic dysphagia can show improvement through rehabilitation therapy, proper nutrition intake (including protein, calcium, and vitamin D), and consistent exercise. This helps strengthen muscles and maintain a quality life even in old age.