Muscle Quality Could Be an Early Indicator of Cognitive Decline

Recent research suggests that assessing muscle quality may provide valuable insights into early stages of cognitive decline, potentially aiding in early detection and intervention of neurodegenerative conditions. Over the past decade, studies have established a strong link between skeletal muscle health and brain function, particularly noting that sarcopenia—a syndrome characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength—is associated with increased dementia risk. This connection emphasizes the importance of muscle health in maintaining cognitive vitality, especially as global populations age.

Most previous investigations have focused on elderly individuals or those already experiencing cognitive impairment, leaving a gap in understanding how muscle parameters relate to cognitive changes in middle-aged adults. Recognizing this, a study published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia, and Muscle by a team led by Postdoctoral Researcher Kentaro Ikeue from Doshisha University sought to explore this relationship in a broader population sample.

The study involved 263 participants from the general Japanese population aged over 40 and aimed to identify which markers of muscle quantity, quality, and strength reflect early cognitive decline. Key measures included appendicular skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, handgrip strength divided by muscle mass, and phase angle (PhA)—an indicator obtained via bioelectrical impedance analysis that reflects cellular integrity and muscle quality.

Cognitive functions were assessed using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-J), which evaluates diverse domains such as memory, language, attention, and executive function. Findings revealed that among these indices, phase angle was the most significant marker associated with cognitive health. Specifically, higher PhA correlated with a lower risk of mild cognitive impairment in women and was linked to better memory performance in both sexes. Notably, in women, PhA showed associations with multiple cognitive domains like language and attention, whereas in men, it primarily related to memory, suggesting potential sex-specific differences in the muscle-brain connection.

The practicality of measuring phase angle, which is quick and non-invasive, positions it as a promising tool for routine health assessments. Incorporating PhA evaluation into regular checkups could help identify individuals at risk of cognitive decline early on, enabling timely interventions. These could include targeted exercise and nutritional strategies aimed at improving muscle quality, which might serve as preventative measures against dementia.

Dr. Ikeue emphasized that, beyond its role in sarcopenia, phase angle could serve as a novel early marker for cognitive impairment, particularly in middle-aged populations. Early identification through muscle quality assessment may empower healthcare providers to initiate preventative measures before significant cognitive symptoms manifest, potentially reducing the future burden of neurodegenerative diseases.

This pioneering research underscores the importance of muscle health as a component of cognitive wellness across adulthood. It opens new avenues for preventive strategies that integrate physical and cognitive health, highlighting the potential of simple, cost-effective assessments to improve long-term outcomes.

Source: Medical Express