Abstract
Epidemiologic studies suggest a strong link between cardio-metabolic risk factors and frailty, a state of increased vulnerability to disease, disability and death. Modulation of metabolic pathways through diet, exercise or pharmacotherapy might therefore mitigate or even prevent frailty. In this symposium, we present the work of researchers from diverse disciplines who are affiliated with VA’s Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Centers to shed light on frailty’s metabolic roots. An epidemiologist will present a 20,000 foot view of the relationship between metabolic deregulation and frailty, drawing on insights from physics and evolutionary biology. A basic scientist will present results from the deep sequencing of skeletal muscle tissue before and after a 4-month endurance training program to explore the effect of age and exercise on patterns of gene expression. A neuropsychologist will share results from her investigation of the relationship between metabolic syndrome and cognitive function in older adults, highlighting the role of mobility decline and sleep disorder in the association. Finally, a clinical trialist will present extensive baseline data from an ongoing two-year randomized controlled trial of the anti-diabetic drug metformin for prevention of frailty in adults with pre-diabetes who are age 65 and older. Together, these presentations and the discussion they generate will help attendees discover the exciting potential of metabolic interventions to delay or prevent frailty.