Does a Relationship Exist Between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Sarcopenia in Alzheimer's Disease?

Aim: The prevalence of sarcopenia is higher in Alzheimer's disease (AD) when compared with subjects with normal cognition. Easy-to-use screening tools can make it easier to reach the diagnosis. We aimed to evaluate inflammatory markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in AD cases with or without sarpcopenia. Materials and Methods: Seventy-four possible AD cases who were resident in nursing home were included in to cross-sectional study. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), muscle mass index (MMI), and fat free mass index (FFMI) were assessed with electronic body composition analyzer. Short physical performance battery (SPPB), mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) and hand grip strength test were used for mobile patients. Calf circumference and mid-arm circumference were used for immobile patients. A diagnosis of sarcopenia was established according to the 'European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People' criterias. NLR and PLR were calculated as the ratio of the neutrophil count to lymphocyte count, and platelet count to lymphocyte count, respectively. Findings of AD cases with and without sarcopenia were compared according to NLR and PLR ratios. Results: The sarcopenia rate was found to be 48%. Significantly higher NLR and PLR values were found in sarcopenic group. NLR were found to be negatively correlated with FFMI, while PLR were found negativeliy correlated with both FFMI and MNA. Conclusion: It was found that NLR and especially PLR values are significantly related to sarcopenia in AD. Evaluation of NLR and PLR may be useful for sarcopenia screening.