Other parameters investigated during the interviews

In the SarcoPhAge study, each year of follow-up, a very large number of anamnestic, sociodemographic, anthropometric and clinical data as well as physical tests are collected by a well-trained clinical research assistant. In the following paragraph, we describe the main examinations that are useful for the diagnosis of sarcopenia and its screening.

First, body height and weight were gathered using standardized instrument to the nearest 0.1 cm and 0.1 kg, respectively, and body mass index (BMI) was therefore calculated as the weight divided by the height squared (kg/m²). Calf, wait, wrist and arm circumferences were also recorded at the nearest 0.1 cm. The level of education was documented. The subjects were also asked to list all comorbidities they were suffering from and all current medications taken. Moreover, to assess the cognitive function, we applied the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), scored on up to 30 points.29