Frailty

Question 1

Falls: Causes & associations

Answer 1

• Trip or collapse • Medical:
• Cardiovascular • Neurological
• Syncopy
• Visual impairment
• Cognitive impairment
• Frailty
• Medications
• Hazards (home, care homes & hospitals) • Vit D deficiency

Question 2

Drugs associated with falls

Answer 2

• Polypharmacy (>5)
• Diuretics
• Anti-hypertensives
• NSAID
• Aspirin & NOAC
• Anti-convulsants
• Anti-depressants
• Alcohol

Question 3

Falls: Treatment

Answer 3

• Multi-factoral
• Look for the causes
• History
• Clinical examination including visual • Review of medication
• Clinical Geriatric Assessment
• Physiotherapy

Question 4

Falls: Prevention

Answer 4

• Falls clinic

* Hip protectors

Question 5

Define ‘Frailty Syndrome’

Answer 5

• Associated with aging
• Decline in health & function
• As a result of decline in physiologic reserve and resilence • More common in women
• Low socio-economic status

Question 6

Components of frailty

Answer 6

• Un-intented weight loss
• Sarcopenia-muscle weakness due to muscle loss and function • Exhaustion
• Slowness while walking
• Low level of activity

Question 7

How is frailty syndrome diagnosed?

Answer 7

If any 3 are present:

• Un-intented weight loss
• Sarcopenia-muscle weakness due to muscle loss and function
• Exhaustion
• Slowness while walking
• Low level of activity

Question 8

Management of frailty syndrome

Answer 8

• Recognition
• Don’t confuse with disability and long term conditions • Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment(CGA)
• Multi-disciplinary team
• Holistic approach
• Personalised care plan
• Admission to hospital is not always necessary