Frailty

Frailty Syndrome, often simply termed "frailty," is a multifaceted clinical syndrome that is due to age-related decline in multiple physiological systems, resulting in increased vulnerability to falls, disability, hospitalization, and mortality.  

For healthcare providers in post-acute and long-term care settings, the detection of frailty can rely upon comprehensive geriatric assessments, encompassing cognitive, functional, nutritional, and social domains. Biomarkers, like elevated inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6) or reduced IGF-1 levels, while promising, are yet to be standardized in routine clinical use.

Interventions to address frailty include a multipronged approach:

• Physical Rehabilitation: Tailored exercise programs, especially resistance training, have been shown to improve muscle mass and function, potentially delaying or reversing some elements of frailty.
• Nutritional Support: Malnutrition and frailty often coexist. Ensuring adequate protein and calorie intake can play a crucial role.
• Polypharmacy Review: Older adults, especially those identified as frail, are at heightened risk of drug-related adverse effects. Regular medication reviews, focusing on deprescribing and adjusting doses, are essential.
• Social Engagement: Frailty isn't merely a physical or biological phenomenon. Isolation and diminished social interactions can exacerbate the syndrome. Facilitating group activities or therapy sessions can be instrumental.
• Adaptive Technologies: Assistive devices, from walking aids to wearable sensors, can optimize functional independence while minimizing potential complications like falls.