MEDICAL MATTERS
- Medical Matters features questions asked by Members of the ME Association on health-related topics.
- Dr Charles Shepherd and the ME Association's other advisers answer these questions by sharing their expert knowledge.
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Questions in the Category: Sarcopenia
Decreasing muscle strength as we grow older – sarcopenia
I am in my mid sixties and have had moderate ME/CFS for about 20 years. Over the past year I've noticed a slow but steady decline in the muscle strength in my thigh muscles. This has reduced the distance I can comfortably walk and some difficulty in climbing stairs.
My GP was very good and in addition to doing a physical examination checked some blood tests – all of which were normal. He has told me that I probably have something called sarcopenia and that ME/CFS is exacerbating what can be a natural consequence of ageing.
My question is whether most people over the age of 60 who have ME/CFS are likely to experience a similar decline in muscle strength and whether there is anything that can be done to help.
Growing old with ME
I am now in my late 60s and have had ME for almost 30 years. I have never been severely affected and have always managed to remain reasonably mobile and my cognitive function hasn’t been too badly affected. Over the past year I’ve noticed that I am definitely slowing down both physically and mentally in relation to memory and concentration. I still feel fed up and frustrated at times but not to the point of being depressed.
So is this just a natural part of growing old with ME? Or do I need to see my doctor? And has any research been carried out into old age and ME?
Dr Charles Shepherd
Dr Shepherd has been Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association for more than 40 years. He is integral to the charity's activities and provides information and support based on his professional knowledge, personal experience as a doctor with ME/CFS, and the understanding gained from helping many thousands of people with the condition. He was a member of the comittee responsible for the 2021 NICE Clinical Guideline and is a recognised expert on ME/CFS in the UK. His knowledge extends to Post-Viral Fatigue Syndromes (PVFS), Myalgic Encephalopathy/Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or Long Covid.
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Medical Matters is based on the popular ‘Ask the Doctor‘ series featured in the highly-regarded member’s magazine, ME Essential, and in the healthcare professional magazine, ME Medical. Both are produced by the ME Association and published as hard-copy magazines every 3 months and sent to members and healthcare professionals by post to home or business addresses.
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