Association between sarcopenia and functionality in older adults in the Peruvian Amazon

Objectives. To analyze the relationship between sarcopenia and functional dependence in older adults in the Peruvian Amazon. Materials and methods. A secondary analysis of data from the Amazon Frail study was conducted, which included older adults (60 years of age or older). Sarcopenia was assessed by measuring muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance; and functionality was assessed using the Barthel scale. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, as well as medical and personal history, were also included. Results. A total of 315 older adults were included in the analysis, of whom 193 (n=61.3%) were women. A total of 113 (n=35.9%) were found to have sarcopenia, and 115 (n=36.5%) were found to have functional dependence. In the adjusted Poisson regression analysis, sarcopenia was found to be significantly associated with a higher likelihood of functional dependence (PR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.05–1.95). Furthermore, frailty (PR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.27–3.38), subjective memory complaints (PR = 1.40; 95% CI:1.02–1.91), and hearing loss (PR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.09–2.14) were also factors associated with greater functional dependence. Conclusions. In rural Amazonian communities, sarcopenia in older adults is associated with functional dependence. Early identification is essential to prevent loss of independence and guide comprehensive health interventions.