Frailty
Frailty
Frailty (/ˈfreɪlti/), from the Old French frele, meaning "weak", "fragile", or "brittle", is a common geriatric syndrome that embodies an elevated risk of catastrophic declines in health and function among older adults. Frailty is a condition that affects both the physical and mental health of an individual.
Definition
Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability to poor resolution of homeostasis after a stressor event, which increases the risk of adverse outcomes, including falls, delirium, and disability. It is a multidimensional syndrome that gives rise to increased vulnerability, leading to increased risk of adverse health outcomes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of frailty can include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and low physical activity. These symptoms are often associated with a decrease in strength, endurance, and reduced physiological function, which increases an individual's vulnerability for developing increased dependency and/or death.
Causes
The causes of frailty are multifactorial and can include aging, chronic diseases, hormonal imbalance, and malnutrition. It is often associated with significant weight loss, exhaustion, low energy expenditure, slow motor performance, and weak muscle strength.
Treatment
Treatment for frailty focuses on improving physical function and quality of life. This can be achieved through a combination of physical exercise, nutritional supplementation, and management of underlying medical conditions.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Frailty
- Wikipedia's article - Frailty
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