Bridging Sarcopenia and Cognitive Decline: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Strategies

The intersection of sarcopenia and neurodegenerative disorders underscores the significance of understanding the bidirectional relationship between muscle and brain plasticity. Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, involves complex molecular pathways encompassing inflammatory cytokines, hormones, and growth factors critical for maintaining proteostasis and mitochondrial function. Similarly, neurodegenerative disorders are driven by pathogenic mechanisms such as neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired protein folding. The interplay between systemic inflammatory states and local environments of muscle and neural tissues further complicates the critical processes underpinning both muscular and neuronal plasticity. Recent studies have highlighted the potential neuroprotective roles of muscle-derived signaling molecules, like myokines and exerkines, signaling a profound link between muscle health and cognitive functions. Thus, the association between sarcopenia and accelerated cognitive decline suggests that muscle function could potentially predict the severity of cognitive impairment.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the interconnectedness of muscle and brain plasticity in the context of aging. It seeks to highlight the shared molecular pathways underpinning sarcopenia and neurodegenerative processes. Specifically, the focus will be on elucidating the role of emerging signaling molecules, such as myokines, exerkines, and neurotrophic factors, particularly their role in mediating the muscle-brain axis. By advancing our understanding of how muscle deterioration might contribute to cognitive decline, or inversely, how neurodegenerative mechanisms may impact muscle function, the Topic aims to drive novel insights into sarcopenic dementia. Through this multidisciplinary exploration, the research aims to reveal therapeutic opportunities for simultaneously targeting both muscle and cognitive health in aging populations.

To gather further insights into the muscle-brain crosstalk in aging, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

The molecular and physiological mechanisms linking sarcopenia to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

The role of systemic and local inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and proteostasis in both muscle and neural degeneration.

The influence of myokines, exerkines, and neurotrophic factors—such as BDNF on muscle-brain interaction and their impact on neuroplasticity.

Clinical and preclinical studies exploring sarcopenic dementia, including the predictive value of muscle performance on cognitive outcomes.

Interventions (e.g., exercise, nutrition, hormonal therapies) aimed at preserving or restoring muscle and brain plasticity.

Methodological approaches and biomarkers for assessing sarcopenia and neurodegenerative progression in aging populations.


Incorporating diverse perspectives aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the intertwined biological pathways of muscle and brain aging, ultimately promoting the development of integrative therapeutic strategies.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Sarcopenic dementia, Muscle-brain crosstalk, Neuroplasticity, Myokines and exerkines, Age-related degeneration

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.