Criteria for Diagnosis and Evaluation of Frailty Syndrome

Frailty syndrome is defined as a progressive state of reducing the body’s physiological reserves with age and is characterized by an increased susceptibility to sudden, disproportionate deterioration in functioning, after which it is impossible to return to previous fitness and independence. The typical clinical symptoms of this syndrome include generalized weakness, decreased strength and muscle mass, deterioration of exertion tolerance, slowing of movement, loss of balance, deterioration of cognitive functions, weight loss or malnutrition. Frailty syndrome worsens the prognosis for seniors, increases the risk of reduced physical and/or mental performance, dependence on others, may cause hospitalization, lead to postoperative complications, social withdrawal, and ultimately premature death. Among the most important interventions in the prevention and treatment of frailty syndrome is regular and thoughtfully planned physical activity. The incidence of frailty syndrome increases with age – it affects from 2%–5% of respondents aged 18–34, and in people over 65, it ranges from 4%–59%. Based on research conducted in Poland, it is estimated that frailty syndrome affects 6.7% of the elderly, including 30% of people aged 75–80 and 50% of people over 80 years of age. Most often, frailty is diagnosed based on an interview and physical examination. An important issue in its identification is the lack of unambiguous diagnostic criteria for evaluating the syndrome. The most common tool for evaluating the frailty syndrome in the context of physical limitations are the criteria developed by Linda Fried, introduced and described based on the analysis of the Cardiovascular Health Study clinical trials.