Dimensions of Frailty: Concepts and Practice Guidelines

Dear Colleagues,

Frailty is one of the fundamental concepts in geriatrics and in recent decades has become a recognized public health problem. Numerous studies have addressed the cellular and molecular bases of frailty, and experiments on muscle proteins conducted in space may in the near future help astronauts exposed to microgravity, as well as potentially preventing age-related sarcopenia on Earth. In addition to the physical frailty phenotype, other types of frailty were described including cognitive, psychological or social frailty and osteosarcopenia.

In practice, frailty is often underdiagnosed or perceived as an inevitable effect of the aging process, while prevention guidelines rely on general rules of a high-protein diet and exercise. It is, therefore, crucial to facilitate and promote simple measures for frailty screening in older adults, early detection of risk factors and more personalized treatment approaches. Practice guidelines should be easily accessible for different levels of care and supported by public health programs similarly to solutions in cardiovascular diseases.

The aim of the present topic is to provide a comprehensive overview of the theoretical bases of frailty and new findings, clues for clinical practice and healthcare systems and the application of novel technologies. We welcome reviews, meta-analyses, research papers, case reports and guidelines for practice. We look forward to a lively discussion between science and pragmatic views with the ultimate goal to promote a proactive approach to frailty.

Dr. Katarzyna Broczek
Dr. Pietro Gareri
Guest Editors

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