Abstract

CARRILLO ESPER, Raúl; MUCINO BERMEJO, Jimena; PENA PEREZ, Carlos  and  CARRILLO CORTES, Ulises Gabriel. Frailty and sarcopenia. Rev. Fac. Med. (Méx.) [online]. 2011, vol.54, n.5, pp.12-21. ISSN 2448-4865.

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by weight loss, fatigue, weakness, slow walking and reduced physical activity. It is more common among women, obese people and diabetic patients. It is secondary to endocrine dys-regulation and a proinflammatory, prothrombotic status. Sarcopenia, loss of muscle mass, is characteristic of frailty. The treatment is focused on increasing muscle mass and strength by improving caloric-proteic intake and implementing a physical exercise program. The aim of the present article is to review the current concepts related to the definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment of frailty syndrome and sarcopenia, as well as its impact on geriatric population.

Keywords : frailty; sarcopenia; aging.