Frailty was assessed using a frailty index, which takes into account a wide range of health and functional measures. Researchers classified participants with scores of 0.25 or higher as frail.

The results showed that frailty was associated with developing dementia at a younger age. Overall, frail individuals received a dementia diagnosis approximately two to three years earlier than those who were not frail.

“The best approach to preventing or reducing frailty is a combination of regular physical activity, particularly strength training, and a diet that ensures adequate protein intake,” study co-author Dr. David Ward, a research fellow in aging and geriatric medicine at the Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine at the University of Queensland, told Newsweek.