Frailty

Question 1

What is frailty?

Answer 1

A state associated with low energy, slow walking speed and poor strength.

There is increased vulnerability to poor resolution of homeostasis after a stressor event.

Question 2

Is frailty an inevitable consequence of aging?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

Is frailty a state due to multiple long term conditions?

Answer 3

No, it can occur in the absence of these

Question 4

What are “acute frailty syndromes”?

Answer 4

Falls
Delirium

“Off legs” may result from a relatively minor insult

Question 5

How is frailty diagnosed?

Answer 5

Walking speed reduced
Grip strength low
Immune deficits
Reduced ability to withstand an insult

Question 6

List the frailty assessment tools

Answer 6

Gait speed < 0.8m/s
Timed up and go test < 12 sec 
Grip strength
PRISMA 7 questionnaire 
Clinical frailty scale 
Edmonton frail scale

Question 7

What is the timed up and go test?

Answer 7

The time taken to rise up from a chair, walk 3 metres, turn round, walk back and sit down.

Normal = < 12 seconds

Question 8

Is frailty amenable to prevention and treatment?

Answer 8

Yes

Good nutrition
Not too much alcohol
Physically active
Remaining engaged in local community/ avoiding loneliness