About this disease
What it is about
The frailty syndrome describes an age-related and chronic reduced resilience and increasing vulnerability to diseases and stressors. It is not a disease in its own right, but a complex syndrome. Associated with it is an increased risk of falls and loss of autonomy, as well as increased mortality. Like the aging process, the process cannot be stopped, but it can be influenced.
Types
In the context of the Covid 19 pandemic, the Clinical Frailty Scale gained importance. It consists of nine categories.
Symptoms and consequences
Clinical hallmarks include: Loss of muscle mass and decreased muscle strength; unwanted weight loss; declining walking speed, physical activity, and mobility; functional deficits, loss of adaptability and functional reserve, and declining independence in daily living to the point of needing long-term care; social withdrawal; and depression.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
The diagnosis is made through an interdisciplinary diagnostic process to assess the patient's medical, psychosocial and functional problems and resources. According to Fried's classification, frailty is said to occur when three of the following five symptoms are present: (unwanted) weight loss (> 5kg/year), perceived fatigue, reduced physical activity, slow gait speed, and reduced hand grip strength.
Treatment
The assessment is used to develop a comprehensive treatment and care plan. Therapy is based on the underlying diseases or problems. Among other things, optimal adjustment of medication and treatment of any malnutrition and other age-related diseases are important.