A multi-modal approach to deep phenotyping frailty

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This PhD project will combine state-of-the art magnetic resonance imaging and stable isotope tracer techniques to characterise the pathophysiology of frailty from pre-frail > frail > hyper-frail. It will involve in vivo MR based quantification of brain architecture and regional and whole-body muscle and fat volumes, alongside magnetic resonance based dynamic measures of brain perfusion and cardiac output, and stable isotope quantification of chronic muscle protein synthesis and immune function in pre-frail, frail and hyper-frail people. These measurements will be dovetailed with accepted measures of cognitive and functional ability, including mobility. This approach will provide powerful multi-disciplinary insight of the frail phenotype and also catalyse new research focused on interventions to stimulate positive adaptation in these populations.