Frailty
Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability to stressors arising from reduced physiological reserve across multiple systems. It is related to but distinct from age alone, disability and multimorbidity.
Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗Frailty — specialty learning map
Original conceptual SVG · scalableOriginal overview diagram showing four related domains. This is not a literal anatomy drawing, histologic image or clinical decision rule.
Clinical phenotype
Common assessment frameworks consider features such as unintended weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, slow gait and low physical activity.
Accumulated deficits
An alternative framework counts relevant health deficits across function, disease, cognition and other dimensions.
Triggers and consequences
Illness, hospitalization, surgery and medication changes can lead to disproportionate functional deterioration in vulnerable individuals.
Person-centered evaluation
Nutrition, mobility, medications, sensory problems, support and patient priorities may guide preventive or restorative care.
Reference and next reading
Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.