Sarcopenia and Frailty

Sarcopenia and frailty are important conditions that become increasingly prevalent with age. Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and function, and frailty can be defined as multi-system impairment associated with increased vulnerability to stressors.

What is Frailty?

1. • Frailty is a state in which systemic functional capacity falls below a certain level and can be defined as a state of increased vulnerability to stressor events which increases the risk of adverse outcomes, including falls, delirium, disability and death. There are several instruments that have been validated to identify frail older subjects, but a universally accepted diagnostic tool is still lacking.

What is Sarcopenia?

1. • The term Sarcopenia, from the Greek meaning loss of flesh, is defined as the loss of muscle function as well as the loss of muscle mass that occurs with ageing. It is a common and increasingly important condition as populations grow older and it is associated with subsequent disability and morbidity. There are several diagnostic criteria still being developed.