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Chapter 7 - Frailty

from Section II - Geriatric syndromes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2016

Jan Busby-Whitehead
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina
Christine Arenson
Affiliation:
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia
Samuel C. Durso
Affiliation:
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Daniel Swagerty
Affiliation:
University of Kansas
Laura Mosqueda
Affiliation:
University of Southern California
Maria Fiatarone Singh
Affiliation:
University of Sydney
William Reichel
Affiliation:
Georgetown University, Washington DC
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Summary

Frailty is an important geriatric syndrome characterized by diminished physiologic reserves and function, and a decreased capacity to withstand stressors. More than a third of people over age 85 are estimated to be frail, and are at higher risk of adverse health outcomes, including dependency, institutionalization, and death. Although advanced age, multi-morbidity and disability are associated with frailty, there is strong evidence that frailty is a distinct entity. It is characterized by diminished strength and endurance, and impaired physiologic function in many organ systems (including musculoskeletal, neuroendocrine, and immune systems) and includes nutritional, cognitive, and psychosocial dimensions. The two main frailty constructs are a biological syndrome model and an accumulation of deficits model. Frailty is an important syndrome to guide clinical care, and several screening tools include combinations of nutritional status, physical activity, mobility, energy, strength, cognition, mood, and social relations and support.
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Chapter
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Reichel's Care of the Elderly
Clinical Aspects of Aging
, pp. 97 - 106
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2016

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References

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