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Frailty
Age-related syndrome of physiologic decline characterized by decreased reserve, vulnerability to stressors, and high risk of disability, hospitalization, and mortality, operationalized by Fried's phenotype (≥3 of: weakness, slow walking, exhaustion, low activity, unintended weight loss).
Frailty overlaps with but is distinct from sarcopenia (muscle-focused) and malnutrition (intake/composition-focused). Reversal evidence is strongest for resistance exercise plus protein supplementation (LIFE, FrAIL, MID-FRAIL trials). The Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale offers a deficit-accumulation alternative quantification. Frailty assessment is increasingly required for surgical risk stratification.
How each textbook covers it
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 20
Fried phenotype requires three of: unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, weak grip, slow gait, low physical activity. Strongly overlaps with sarcopenia and malnutrition. Reversible in early stages with resistance training, adequate protein (1.0 to 1.2 g/kg/day), vitamin D, and management of polypharmacy and comorbidities.
Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 56: Nutrition in Older Adults
Frailty overlaps with but is distinct from sarcopenia (muscle-focused) and malnutrition (intake/composition-focused). Reversal evidence is strongest for resistance exercise plus protein supplementation (LIFE, FrAIL, MID-FRAIL trials). The Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale offers a deficit-accumulation alternative quantification. Frailty assessment is increasingly required for surgical risk stratification.
Related terms
Anorexia of aging, GLIM criteria, Malnutrition, Polypharmacy, Sarcopenia