Frailty

Question 1

What is Frailty

Answer 1

A clinical condition with reduced strength, endurance, and physiological function, increasing vulnerability to health issues

Question 2

Frailty Risk Factors:

Answer 2

• Aging
• Chronic illness (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes)
• Poor nutrition
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Cognitive decline

Question 3

How does Frailty Occur:

Answer 3

• Frailty develops gradually due to the cumulative decline in multiple body systems

Question 4

When Does Frailty Occur?

Answer 4

• Typically occurs in older adults, particularly those over 65 years old.
• Common in individuals with multiple health conditions or reduced physical activity.

Question 5

How Does Frailty Present?

Answer 5

How Does it Present?
* Weakness
* Unintentional weight loss
* Fatigue
* Slower walking speed
* Reduced physical activity levels

Question 6

What is Treatment for Frailty

Answer 6

• Exercise programs (focused on strength, balance, and flexibility)
• Nutritional support to improve energy levels
• Medication review to reduce polypharmacy risks
• Social engagement to reduce isolation

Question 7

Sarcopenia
What is it?

Answer 7

• Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function.

Question 8

Sarcopenia
Risk Factors:

Answer 8

• Aging
• Physical inactivity
• Poor nutrition
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease

Question 9

Sarcopenia
How Does it Occur?

Answer 9

Muscle breakdown exceeds muscle repair, resulting in gradual loss of muscle mass.

Question 10

Sarcopenia
When Can it Occur?

Answer 10

• Most commonly occurs in older adults but may develop earlier due to inactivity or illness.

Question 11

Sarcopenia
Who Does it Affect?

Answer 11

• Primarily affects older adults, but those with sedentary lifestyles or chronic conditions are also at risk.

Question 12

Sarcopenia
How Does it Present?

Answer 12

• Decreased muscle mass
• Reduced strength and mobility
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks (e.g., climbing stairs, rising from a chair)

Question 13

Sarcopenia
Treatment:

Answer 13

• Resistance training to build strength
• Protein-rich diets to support muscle growth
• Vitamin D supplementation to improve muscle function
• Functional exercises to maintain independence

Question 14

Polypharmacy
What is it?

Answer 14

• Polypharmacy refers to the concurrent use of five or more medications, often linked to adverse outcomes in older adults.

Question 15

Polypharmacy
Risk Factors:

Answer 15

• Older age
• Multiple chronic conditions
• Inadequate medication review

Question 16

Polypharmacy
How Does it Occur?

Answer 16

• Common when patients receive prescriptions from multiple healthcare providers without thorough medication reviews.

Question 17

Polypharmacy
When Can it Occur?

Answer 17

Frequently observed in older adults or individuals with complex medical conditions.

Question 18

Polypharmacy
Who Does it Affect?

Answer 18

• Elderly individuals, those with chronic illnesses, or patients taking multiple medications for pain or mental health concerns.

Question 19

Polypharmacy
How Does it Present?

Answer 19

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Falls and instability
• Reduced cognition and increased risk of delirium

Question 20

Polypharmacy
Treatment:

Answer 20

• Medication reviews by healthcare professionals
• Deprescribing unnecessary or harmful medications
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce reliance on medication where possible

Question 21

Delirium
What is it?

Answer 21

• Delirium is an acute, fluctuating state of confusion, often triggered by illness, surgery, or medications.

Question 22

Delirium
Risk Factors:

Answer 22

• Older age
• Hospitalization or post-surgical recovery
• Infection, dehydration, or malnutrition
• Polypharmacy
• Cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia)

Question 23

Delirium
How Does it Occur?

Answer 23

• Sudden changes in brain function, often linked to inflammation or reduced blood flow.

Question 24

Delirium
When Can it Occur?

Answer 24

• Frequently occurs in hospital settings or following significant medical events.

Question 25

Delirium Who Does it Affect?

Answer 25

* Older adults, post-operative patients, or those with underlying cognitive conditions.

Question 26

Delirium How Does it Present?

Answer 26

* Confusion and disorientation * Visual or auditory hallucinations * Memory disturbances * Fluctuating levels of consciousness

Question 27

Delirium Treatment:

Answer 27

* Identifying and treating the underlying cause (e.g., infection, dehydration) * Providing a calm and reassuring environment * Ensuring adequate hydration, nutrition, and rest * Medication review to eliminate contributing factors

Question 28

Dementia What is it?

Answer 28

* Dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function that affects memory, communication, and reasoning.

Question 29

Dementia Risk Factors:

Answer 29

* Aging * Family history of dementia * Cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., hypertension, smoking) * Social isolation

Question 30

Dementia How Does it Occur?

Answer 30

* Neurodegeneration, where brain cells are damaged or die faster than normal, impairs cognitive function.

Question 31

Dementia When Can it Occur?

Answer 31

* Typically develops in older adults but may occur earlier in some cases (early-onset dementia).

Question 32

Dementia Who Does it Affect?

Answer 32

* Individuals over 65 years old are at the highest risk.

Question 33

Dementia How Does it Present?

Answer 33

* Memory loss * Difficulty with problem-solving and planning * Changes in mood, personality, or behaviour * Loss of orientation to time and place

Question 34

Dementia Treatment:

Answer 34

* Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors may slow progression * Cognitive stimulation therapies to improve memory and engagement * Supportive care to promote independence and safety