Objective: Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019-defined sarcopenia phenotypes, identify associated factors, and evaluate screening performance in Thai PD patients.

Background: Sarcopenia is a progressive skeletal muscle disorder that contributes to frailty, falls, and functional decline. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), disease-specific motor impairment, nutritional compromise, and reduced physical activity may accelerate sarcopenia beyond normal aging; however, data in Thai patients remain limited.

Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study of Thai patients with PD (Hoehn & Yahr stages 1–3) attending a movement-disorders clinic. Sarcopenia was defined using AWGS 2019 criteria, with appendicular skeletal muscle mass estimated bybioelectrical impedance analysis. PD severity was assessed using the Clinical Impression of Severity Index for Parkinson’s Disease (CISI-PD). Screening tools included calf circumference (CC), handgrip strength, 5-time chair stand test, and SARC-F. Logistic regression examined factors associated with sarcopenia, and screening performance was summarized using sensitivity and specificity.

Results: Among 124 participants, 25 (20.2%) had sarcopenia, including 14 (11.3%) with severe sarcopenia; dynapenia and presarcopenia were present in 36.3% and 3.2%, respectively. Higher CISI-PD was independently associated with sarcopenia (adjusted OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6), while weight change was inversely associated (adjusted OR 0.9 per +1 kg, 95% CI 0.8–1.0). CC showed the best screening performance (sensitivity 88.0%, specificity 79.8%).

Conclusion: Sarcopenia affects one in five Thai patients with ambulatory PD and is associated with greater disease severity and weight loss. CC is an effective first-line screening tool for routine PD care.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/prevalence-and-associated-factors-of-sarcopenia-among-thai-patients-with-ambulatory-parkinsons-disease/