Frailty, an Emerging Research and Clinical Paradigm: Issues and Controversies

Abstract

Ne pas citer. Version pour diffusion uniquement. Citer l'article une fois publié. / Not to be cited. For distribution only. Cite article once published.[À l'origine dans / Was originally part of : ESPUM - Dép. gestion, évaluation et politique de santé - Travaux et publications]Clinicians and researchers have shown increasing interest in frailty. Yet, there is still considerable uncertainty around the concept and its definition. In this paper, we present perspectives on key issues and controversies discussed by scientists from 13 different countries, representing a diverse range of disciplines, at the 2006 Second International Working Meeting on Frailty and Aging. The following fundamental questions are discussed: what is the distinction, if any, between frailty and aging? What is its relationship with chronic disease? Is frailty a syndrome or a series of age-related impairments that predict adverse outcomes? What are the critical domains in its operational definition? Is frailty a useful concept? The implications of different models and approaches are examined. While consensus has yet to be attained, work accomplished to date has opened exciting new horizons. The paper concludes with suggested directions for future research.Financial support for the Second International Working Meeting on Frailty and Aging was provided by: Max Bell Foundation; Quebec Network for Research on Aging (Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec); Institute of Aging - Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); CIHR International Opportunity Program – Development Grant 68739; Gustav Levinschi Foundation; The Dr. Joseph Kaufmann Chair in Geriatric Medicine, McGill University