Le processus de fragilité : que comprendre de la physiopathologie ?

The frailty process appears as a “silent” and “insidious” process commonly accepted as an authentic geriatric syndrome with a biological basis. Although its pathophysiological mechanisms seem to be distinguishable from ageing itself, thus making the frailty process potentially reversible, they are still unsatisfactorily specified because mainly based upon data of transversal studies. This review suggests a pathophysiological approach of the frailty process through the presentation of the intrinsic mechanisms and of potential activating factors of the “cycle of frailty”. Particular consideration will be given to the contribution of immunosenescence and inflammaging within the pathophysiology of the frailty process.