.jpg)
“We’re most proud that our research is making a real difference in people’s lives, both here in Hamilton and around the world.”
“Frailty is a state of diminished energy, physical ability and cognition to the extent that a patient’s overall function is reduced,” explains Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou, a geriatrician and Executive Director of the GERAS Centre for Aging Research. “Frailty can lead to falls, loss of independence, hospitalization and even death.”
GERAS, located within the Juravinski Research Centre on Aging, comprises the largest network of geriatricians in the region.
“Programs like GERAS Frailty Rehab are designed to reduce frailty, and improve physical function and the independence of frail adults who are over 65,” says Dr. Papaioannou. “Whereas GERAS Fit Joints is a custom program that helps frail patients become fit before joint-replacement surgery to reduce post-surgical complications and improve mobility.”
Many GERAS studies focus on frailty interventions such as exercise, nutrition, socialization and medication. Foundation-funded projects include the Fit-Frailty App, which can be used in conjunction with your physician to assess your risk of frailty.
“The Fit-Frailty App asks you to answer questions like how fast you walk or if you’re having difficulties getting out of a chair,” explains Dr. Papaioannou. “Care providers are able to recommend the best course of treatment based on these identified risks.”
The GERAS team also developed the fracture risk scale (FRS), the first tool of its kind for patients in long-term care. Used internationally, FRS identifies who’s at risk of bone fractures. This is important because hip fractures are a major cause of hospitalizations.
“We’re most proud that our research is making a real difference in people’s lives, both here in Hamilton and around the world,” says Dr. Papaioannou.
