Approaches to therapy and prevention of frailty in the light of contemporary medicine
Journal Title: Family Medicine & Primary Care Review - Year 2017, Vol 19, Issue 3
Abstract
Over the last several decades, the growing number of patients with geriatric problems has become a serious challenge for primary care physicians. Frailty is an often encountered condition in older age. This is a state of increased vulnerability and loss of total physiological reserves, needed to maintain physiological and psychosocial homeostasis. Definition of physical frailty is based on the following criteria: unintentional weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, weakness, slow walking speed, and low physical activity, where 3 out of 5 these criteria confirms frailty. It is a dynamic, transitional process which constantly progresses, although it is potentially reversible. Frailty often co-exists with other severe diseases, affecting general well-being of the patient. Therefore, it is important for the family doctor to understand diagnosis and treatment to protect from an invasive procedure or potentially harmful medication, and prevent decline of functional independence. The aim of this review is to present current available treatment options and their effectiveness for frailty. Data from many observational studies were collected. The most beneficial seems to be combined multidisciplinary treatment including physical exercises, nutritional supplementation and cognitive training. Additionally, the further positive results of physical activity training on mobility, balance, coordination, muscle strength and reducing falls in frail elderly were also confirmed by many scientific reports. Pharmacological, nutritional, psychological and other interventions solely can also be helpful but the evidence is low. Preventive actions at many stages in the process leading to frailty can be applied
Authors and Affiliations
Maria Bujnowska-Fedak, Joanna Waligóra, Barbara D'avanzo, Carol Holland, Donata Kurpas
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP344131
- DOI -
- Views 65
- Downloads 0
Lumbrical-interosseous latency comparison test as a highly sensitive tool in diagnosing mild and severe carpal tunnel syndrome
Background. The diagnosis of the very early and very advanced stages of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is still challenging. Objectives. We evaluated whether a nerve conduction study measuring the difference in latencies...
Szumy uszne u chorych z zaburzeniami czynnościowymi układu ruchowego narządu żucia
Wstęp. sąsiedztwo anatomiczne i podobne pochodzenie filogenetyczne struktur ucha i stawu skroniowo-żuchwowego może wpływać na współwystępowanie zaburzeń czynnościowych układu ruchowego narządu żucia (Urnż)i dolegliwości...
A physical activity assessment of Wroclaw Medical University students with IPAQ – long questionnaire: a cross sectional study
Background. Polish society is characterized with low physical activity. Medical University students, as future doctors,should not only understand the importance of physical activity, but also do all they can to actively...
Hormonal disturbances and etiology of gynecomastia in 17–30-year-old males
Background. Gynecomastia (GM), usually a benign enlargement of male glandular breast tissue, may evolve both physiologically at some stages of man`s life or secondarily to various disorders. Hormonal investigations can h...
Nietypowy obraz wznowy raka gruczołu sutkowego – opis przypadku
Wstęp. Rak piersi jest najczęstszym nowotworem złośliwym u kobiet. W diagnostyce i kontroli po leczeniu ciągle dyskusyjna jest przydatność oznaczania poziomu markerów nowotworowych. Opis przypadku. 57-letnia kobieta zos...