what is geriatric syndrome
frailty definition
physical characteristics (Fried Frailty Tool)
clinical use (need pt participation & specialised equip)
frailty associated with
hypothesis model of frailty and adverse health outcomes
triggers:
–> inflam, neuroendocrine dysregulation
Markers of frailty:
—> clinical frailty (slow, weak, weight loss, low activity, fatigue)
clinical manifestation of frailty (that leads to clinical frailty sx)
Negative energy balance
Sarcopenia
immune function decline
cognitive impairment
incr clotting
decr glucose metabolism
clinical frailty scale (SG)
1-9
CFS 4 = pre-frail (mild frailty), functionally Independent, but symptoms of chronic illnesses are affecting activity tolerance
CFS 5 = Need assistance for all or some of the iADLs
CFS 6 = Need assistance for all outside activities and some of the bADLs (e.g. dressing ,bathing)
CFS 7 = Clinically stable but FULLY dependent for personal care
CFS 8 = Nearing end of life and FULLY dependent for personal care
CFS 9 = Terminally ill (<6 months) but not severely frail
FRAIL scale (US)
fatigue
resistance (climb 1 flight of stairs)
ambulation (walk 80m)
illness (HTN, DM, cancer, chronic lung disease, asthma, HA, CHF, angina, stroke, arthritis, CKD) > 5 =1point
loss of weight (>5% in past year)
Pre-frail: 1-2
Frail: >3
management of frailty
possible cuases of low nutritional intake in frail pts
med review for frail pts
fall definition
At unexpected event in which a person comes to rest on the ground, floor or a lower surface
routine checkup with HCP
3 key qns
1) fall past 12mnth
2) Do you feel steady when you stand/ walk?
3) Any concerns of falling?
yes to any –> further evaluation
when presenting to HCP w/ fall or related injury/ Yes to key qn
assess fall severity
if yes: HIGH RISK
not high risk –> refer for gait, balance test
yes = intermediate risk
low fall risk intervention
educate on fall prevention
advise on physical activity exercise
f/u 1yr
intermediate fall risk
2nd prevention to improve MAJOR RISK FACTOR
* tailored exercise: balance, gait, strength
* educate on fall prevention
f/u 1yr
high fall risk
2nd prevention and treatment
f/u 30-90d
multifactorial fall risk assessment
intrinsic factors for fall risk
lower extremity weakness, previous fall, gait and balance, visual impair, dep, functional and cog impairment, dizzy, low BMI, UI, OH, female, >80yo
extrinsic factors for fall risk
polypharm, psychotropic meds, environ hazard, lack safety equip
Identify Falls Risk Increasing Drugs (FRIDS) by mechanism:
Sedation
Orthostatic hypotension
Anticholinergics – slow down reaction time, drowsy, blurred vision, confusion
Hypoglycemia
explicit criteria for FRIDS: STOPPFall drug classes
dizziness definition
Dizziness important geriatric syndrome as it can result in
* Potentially serious etiologies (stroke, MI, traumatic brain injury) * Incr risk of fall * Incr risk of deconditioning (period of inactivity, reduced muscle strength) * Reduced QOL