Sarcopenia and Cortisol Among Older Nursing Home Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Recent studies indicate that the prevalence of sarcopenia among older adults living in long-term care facilities may be high. The pathophysiological mechanisms of sarcopenia are complex and interdependent. The role of cortisol deserves attention as a possible modulator in the genesis of sarcopenia. The objective this study is to analyze the relationship between sarcopenia and cortisol in older nursing home residents. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted with 70 older people. Sarcopenia was assessed using the EWGSOP2 algorithm and cortisol by saliva collection. The T-test, Chi-squared test and ANOVA statistical analyzes were used (p <0.05). Results: A total of 17.1% of the older adults evaluated were considered sarcopenic. The related variables were older age (p = 0.001); lower body mass index (p = 0.008); lower measurements of brachial circumference (p <0.001), waist (p = 0.011) and hips (p = 0.001). The cortisol levels were higher among the sarcopenic older adults for the three measures throughout the day (p = 0.02), as well as for the derived measures. Conclusion: The higher salivary cortisol levels found in sarcopenic older nursing home residents help to understand the underlying mechanisms of sarcopenia and the healthcare of this public.