The term “fragility” is a translation of the English term “frailty” and as a syndrome it concerns people over the age of 65. It is a syndrome characterized by reduced physical strength, endurance and motor function, consequently increasing the individual’s vulnerability.

“So we see people over 65 being hospitalized repeatedly, each time with a different problem. E.g. they may have coronary disease or have an infection but they will come back with a brain hemorrhage, a fracture, generally with conditions that follow one another and are final manifestations of the syndrome,” explains Mr. Spyridon Barbas Pathologist, Director of the 4th Pathology Clinic Metropolitan General. “Although the aging process is identified with the appearance of the frailty syndrome, the two concepts are not identical. It is, in fact, characteristic that the fragility syndrome presents itself with more intense manifestations than those of normal aging”, he points out.

Symptoms of fragility syndrome

The large reduction in walking speed, reduced grip strength (which can be measured) such as while shaking hands, reduced physical activity, unintended weight loss and generalized exhaustion. The coexistence of three or all of the above symptoms establishes the diagnosis. In general, about 8% of people aged 65 and over show some kind of frailty, that is, some of the above symptoms. This percentage increases as the years go by and becomes 25% from the age of 75 and over, i.e. it concerns 1 in four people, shaping their lifestyle accordingly. These individuals fracture because they move much more slowly than at younger ages, have dementia (memory) disorders, and general morbidity that extends to all their systems: hormonal (low testosterone/low estrogen), musculoskeletal (brittle bones, osteoporosis) cardiovascular , resulting in increased rate and volume of hospitalizations.

How is fragility syndrome diagnosed?

“Diagnosis requires, first of all, increased sensitivity and a high degree of suspicion on the part of the physician. It is established on the basis of the symptomatology described above and is favored by the cooperation of different specialties of medicine with each other. This is how it happens, e.g. at the Metropolitan General, where thanks to such a systematic collaboration, it is possible to detect the syndrome, to classify it according to the stage it is in (the assessment of its severity) and to cover the people diagnosed with it”, emphasizes the doctor.

Can frailty syndrome be prevented?

“Frailty, although it comes with age, and its dynamics is to worsen, is not an irreversible process. It can be prevented, delayed or reversed, with the first steps in this effort being its early detection, the identification of susceptible individuals and immediate intervention, which usually consists of: avoiding polypharmacy and stress, large amounts of vitamin D, proper nutrition − the Mediterranean diet helps a lot, because it includes fish and meat of high biological value and generally excellent ingredients, increasing physical activity even at old ages (walking, dynamic walking, mild exercises with weights, i.e. exercises that strengthen the musculoskeletal system), “armor » of the brain with mental alertness and exercises to stimulate brain function and treatment of morbid conditions associated with the syndrome or aging. Under normal conditions (without emergencies) the above mixture of actions acts preventively, delays or reduces the negative consequences of the syndrome or even reverses its effects where possible, ensuring quality of life during the aging process”, concludes Mr. Barbas.