RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Neurodegenerative diseases may progress to a level in which patients present spontaneous weight loss, resulting in increased falls and functional disabilities when the disease is associated with muscle mass depletion. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the muscle compartment in patients presenting spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 3 and 10. METHODS: Forty-six patients presenting SCA type 3 and 10 were assessed and 76 volunteers were selected to the control group. In order to evaluate the muscle compartment, muscle mass anthropometric measurements were assessed and total skeletal muscle mass calculated through a predictive equation. RESULTS: Women with SCA3 presented greater weight loss and muscle mass reduction compared to those with SCA10 and the control group. Among the predictive measurements, calf muscle circumference showed a more significant correlation with total skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.718). CONCLUSION: Patients presenting both types of ataxia did not show severe depletion in their nutritional status; however, those with SCA3 displayed greater weight loss and muscle mass reduction compared to the SCA10 group.