Frailty syndrome – a challenge in the clinical practice
General Medicine, 2023, 25(4), 65-72.
P. Ganchevska-Fereir1,2, G. Tsigarovski1,3, Z. Ambareva1,4, D. Mileva-Nikolova1,4, R. Asenova1,5
1 Dept Urology and General Practice, Medical Faculty, Medical University ‒ Plovdiv,
2 Medicus – Dr Pepa Ganchevska-Fereira General Practice Ltd, accredited for training ‒ Devin,
3 Georgi Tsigarovski General Practice, accredited for training ‒ Plovdiv,
4 Zdrave 11 General Practice ‒ Plovdiv,
5 Stanchev Medical, accredited for training ‒ Plovdiv
Abstract. Demographic aging has become a global challenge to the health systems worldwide due to the specific healthcare and social needs of the older generation. By the end of 2022, 23.5% of the Bulgarian population is 65-year-old or older, meaning Bulgaria has the seventh oldest population in the European Union. Frailty syndrome is a leading cause of dependency and worsening quality of life among older people. It is characterized by a reduction in the functional reserve and a decline in the ability of the body to adapt, therefore, even a mild health problem could trigger a series of events resulting in poor health outcomes. Frail older people are at higher risk of falls, fractures, hospitalization, dementia, institutionalization, physical disability, and mortality. The aim of the article is to provide up-to-date information on frailty syndrome in terms of prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis, screening methods, and preventative and coping strategies. The changes in the demographic structure of society are linked to changes in morbidity, as well as in the health needs of the population. Understanding the specific geriatric clinical syndromes, such as frailty, gives an opportunity for early detection and adequate interference. This is the way to ensure aging in health, which will help older people remain independent and contribute to the well-being of families and communities for longer periods of time, to use their potential and build a healthy aging society.
Key words: frailty syndrome, primary care, geriatrics, geriatric syndromes
Address for correspondence: P. Ganchevska-Fereira, MD, e-mail: medicuspgf@gmail.com