Work

Mechanisms Underlying Physical Frailty in Humans

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Physical frailty has a complex and heterogenous biological basis that likely includes genetic influences, age-related biological changes to metabolic processes and stress response systems, and mitochondrial decline. Although it is at present not possible to assign causality to specific biological processes, progress has been made in understanding the contributions of a variety of biological processes that influence frailty. In this symposium, we will provide new information on the role of genetic variants related to iron metabolism in the role of muscle weakness in older adults, on the potential role of mitochondrial DNA in driving frailty and inflammation, and the role of altered metabolic processes as measured by metabolomic variables. Each of these biological domains provide measureable variables that can potentially be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. At the end of this symposium, the audience should be able to better understand the processes that potentially drive frailty in older adults, and the possibilities for future diagnostic and treatment modalities for frailty in older adults.

Source: Innovation in Aging

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.225

Authors: D Melzer, J Walston, G A Kuchel

Institutions: University of Exeter, UConn Health, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Connecticut

Language: English

Topic: Frailty in Older Adults

Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,977