Functional Status in Relation to Common Geriatric Syndromes and Sociodemographic Variables - A Step Forward Towards Healthy Aging.

Purpose: Geriatric syndromes (GS) are prevalent in the older population, with an impact on morbidity and disability. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of functional dependence and ten GS in community older adults and to examine the different associations between these syndromes and sociodemographic variables and their impact on functional dependence. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 342 outpatients seen at the geriatric clinic in the period 2015-2023. Results: The mean age was 75±7.4. One-third had functional dependence and 96.2% had at least one GS. The mean number of GS was 3.11±1.74, ranging from 2.56±1.67 in the 60s to 3.55±1.70 in octogenarians. The most common GS found were polypharmacy (79.5%), musculoskeletal pain (49.7%), and Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) (32.7%). Polypharmacy was significantly associated with female sex and chronic pain, whereas sensory impairment was associated with male sex. MND, dizziness, and urinary incontinence were the only GS that significantly predicted functional dependence and were typically associated with increasing age. Conclusion: Functional dependence increases as individuals age, paralleled by increases in MND, urinary incontinence, dizziness, sensory impairment, and constipation. Notably, only MND, incontinence, depression, and dizziness were significant predictors of functional dependence. Consequently, it is imperative to screen older adults presenting with these syndromes for early signs of functional decline to optimize their function and avert subsequent dependence, morbidity, and mortality.

Katz index of activities of daily living in assessing functional status of older people: Reliability and validity of Sinhala version.

Purpose: This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Sinhala version of Katz index of activities of daily living (ADL) in assessing the functional status of older people aged >65 years. Materials and methods: The Katz index was translated to Sinhala, cross-culturally adapted and administered in two stages. In stage 01, 200 patients aged ≥65 years, selected randomly from out-patient medical clinics, were asked to fill the Sinhala version of Katz index along with the Sinhala version of the 10-item Barthel index (BI). The Katz index was re-administered after two weeks among a subgroup of 45 patients selected randomly. In stage 02, Katz index was administered among randomly selected 200 community dwelling older people, aged ≥65 years. In addition, performance-based physical functions [gait speed (GS) and short physical performance battery (SPPB)] were also measured. Results: The analysis of stage 01 data showed internal consistency measured with Cronbach's alpha of 0.82 and test-retest reliability evaluated with intra-class correlation (ICC) (95% CI) of 0.94 (0.89-0.96) (p < 0.001). Exploratory Factor Analysis with the Principal Component Analysis revealed the presence of two factors with Eigen value exceeding 01, explaining 75.9% of cumulative variance. Further, the Sinhala version of Katz index total score showed a strong correlation with the BI total score (r = 0.91, p < 0.001) indicating strong concurrent validity. The stage 02 data revealed that older people with poor perception of general health status had lower mean (SD) Katz index score (3.58 ± 1.82) compared to those with good perception of health (5.56 ± 0.79) (p < 0.001). Similarly older people with prevalent diseases had comparatively lower scores of Katz index, compared to those without, indicating the known group validity (p < 0.05). Further, moderate correlations between the Katz index and performance based physical functions were observed showing the agreement (with GS - r; -0.26, p < 0.001, with SPPB - r; 0.31, p < 0.001). Conclusions: We conclude that the Sinhala version of Katz index has satisfactory psychometric properties and it is a reliable and valid tool to assess the functional status of Sinhala conversant older people in Sri Lanka.

Daily Living Subjective Cognitive Decline Indicators in Older Adults with Depressive Symptoms: A Scoping Review and Categorization Using Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).

(1) Background: This scoping review identifies subjective cognitive decline (SCD) indicators in ADLs and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) in older adults with depressive symptoms using the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). (2) Methods: We searched Medline via Ebscohost, Pubmed, and PsycINFO for articles published on activities of daily living (ADL) indicators of SCD in older adults with depressive symptoms, published in English language journals from January 2011 to November 2021. Following the flow diagram, 2032 titles and abstracts were screened for relevance based on the Population, Concept, and Context inclusion and exclusion criteria. (3) Results: Eight articles provided evidence about the ADL indicators of SCD in older adults with depressive symptoms. The analysis yielded indicators based on low and high cognitively demanding tasks assessed on five different scales. Framed on the ICF categorization and coding system, the SCD-ADL indicators are personal care, mobility, and general tasks and demands; SCD-IADL indicators are mobility, general tasks and demands, learning and applying knowledge, domestic life, communication, major life areas, and community, social, and civic life. (4) Conclusion: Highly cognitively demanding activities present more difficulties for individuals with SCD, making IADLs a stronger predictor of SCD than ADLs.

Funcionalidade de idosos ativos no centro de convivência da terceira idade em Teresina / Functionality of elderly activities at the third age living center in Teresina

Este artigo tem por objetivo avaliar a funcionalidade dos idosos que estão cadastrados em um Centro de Convivência da Terceira Idade. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, do tipo quantitativa e transversal, realizada com 51 idosos. O instrumento de avaliação foi constituído da investigação das características sociodemográficas, da funcionalidade através do Índice de Katz, escala de Lawton e nível de Atividade e Participação, de acordo com a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF). A análise estatística foi realizada no software BioState versão 5.4, utilizando a média, desvio-padrão, o teste de correlação de Pearson para dados paramétricos e o de associação do Qui-quadrado e Spearman para os dados não paramétricos. Na avaliação das características sociodemográficas, verificou-se que 80,4% dos idosos eram do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 70.8 (±5,5) anos, viúvos (n=20) e recebiam aposentadoria (n=31). Em relação à funcionalidade, 100% dos idosos apresentaram independência para a maioria das Atividades Básicas de Vida Diária (ABVD ́s),porém observou-se prevalência importante (9,8%) de incontinência urinária presente nas idosas do estudo. Para a realização das Atividades Instrumentais de Vida Diária (AIVD ́s), a maioria dos idosos apresentaram independência, contudo foi identificada prevalência considerável de idosos com alguma dependência (parcial ou total) para sua execução. No que se refere à classificação da funcionalidade pela CIF, a maioria dos códigos utilizados para classificação da funcionalidade dos idosos apresentou em comum o qualificador 0. Constatou-se que a participação dos idosos em um Centro de Convivência promove maior independência e autonomia aos idosos, demonstrando a sua importância.(AU)

This article aims to evaluate the functionality of the elderly who are registered in a Community Center for the Elderly. This is a descriptive, quantitative and cross-sectional study conducted with 51 elderly people. The evaluation instrument consisted of the investigation of sociodemographic characteristics, functionality through the Katz Index, Lawton scale and level of Activity and Participation, according to the International Classification of Functionality, Disability and Health (CIF). Statistical analysis was performed using the BioState software version 5.4, using the mean, standard deviation, Pearson's correlation test for parametric data and the Chi-square and Spearman association test for nonparametric data. In the assessment of sociodemographic characteristics, it was found that 80.4% of the elderly were female, with an average age of 70.8 (± 5.5) years, widowed (n = 20) and receiving retirement (n = 31). Regarding functionality, 100% of the elderly were independent for most of the Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADLs), but there was an important prevalence (9.8%) of urinary incontinence present in the elderly of the study. For the performance of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), the majority of the elderly showed independence, however a considerable prevalence of elderly people with some dependence (partial or total) for their execution was identified. Regarding the classification of functionality by the ICF, most of the codes used to classify the functionality of the elderly had the qualifier 0 in common. It was found that the participation of the elderly in Community Center promotes greater independence and autonomy for the elderly, demonstrating its importance.(AU)

High inter-rater reliability of Japanese bedriddenness ranks and cognitive function scores: a hospital-based prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: The statistical validities of the official Japanese classifications of activities of daily living (ADLs), including bedriddenness ranks (BR) and cognitive function scores (CFS), have yet to be assessed. To this aim, we evaluated the ability of BR and CFS to assess ADLs using inter-rater reliability and criterion-related validity. METHODS: New inpatients aged ≥75 years were enrolled in this hospital-based prospective observational study. BR and CFS were assessed once by an attending nurse, and then by a social worker/medical clerk. We evaluated inter-rater reliability between different professions by calculating the concordance rate, kappa coefficient, Cronbach's α, and intraclass correlation coefficient. We also estimated the relationship of the Barthel Index and Katz Index with the BR and CFS using Spearman's correlation coefficients. RESULTS: For the 271 patients enrolled, BR at the first assessment revealed 66 normal, 10 of J1, 15 of J2, 18 of A1, 31 of A2, 37 of B1, 35 of B2, 22 of C1, and 32 of C2. The concordance rate between the two BR assessments was 68.6%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.61, Cronbach's α of 0.91, and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.83, thus showing good inter-rater reliability. BR was negatively correlated with the Barthel Index (r = - 0.848, p < 0.001) and Katz Index (r = - 0.820, p < 0.001), showing justifiable criterion-related validity. Meanwhile, CFS at the first assessment revealed 92 normal, 47 of 1, 19 of 2a, 30 of 2b, 60 of 3a, 8 of 3b, 8 of 4, and 0 of M. The concordance rate between the two CFS assessments was 70.1%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.62, Cronbach's α of 0.87, and an intraclass correlation coefficient 0.78, thus also showing good inter-rater reliability. CFS was negatively correlated with the Barthel Index (r = - 0.667, p < 0.001) and Katz Index (r = - 0.661, p < 0.001), showing justifiable criterion-related validity. CONCLUSIONS: BR and CFS could be reliable and easy-to-use grading scales of ADLs in acute clinical practice or large-scale screening, with high inter-rater reliabilities among different professions and significant correlations with well-established, though complicated to use, instruments to assess ADLs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000041051 (2020/7/10).

Impact of pre-OP independence in patients with limited brain metastases on long-term survival.

BACKGROUND: Brain metastasis represents a major complication with a significantly shorter overall survival of many oncological diseases, in particular of lung cancer, breast cancer and malignant melanoma patients. However, despite the poor prognosis, sometimes clinical decision-making, between on the one hand not to harm the patient and on the other hand not withholding a potential therapeutic option, is very challenging. Thus the aim of this retrospective study was to compare various scores, including scores for activities of daily living (ADL) before resection of brain metastases and to analyse their impact on survival. METHODS: Our single institution retrospective patient cohort (N = 100) with a median age of 63.6 years, which had all undergone resection of one or more brain metastases, was categorized using the original patient files. The cohort includes 52 patients with lung cancer, 27 patients with breast cancer, 8 patients with colorectal carcinoma and 13 patients with kidney cancer. To categorize, we used different score systems which were capable to evaluate the patient in relation to self-sufficiency, activity and self-determination as part of ADL. The retrospective analysis includes the ECOG-Status, Karnofsky-Index, Barthel-Index, ASA-Classification and Katz-Index. Pre-processing and the analysis of the data was implemented using KNIME, where we used the R-plugin nodes to perform the final statistical tests with R. RESULTS: Our analysis reveals that most of the ADL scores we tested are able to give a reliable prediction on overall survival after brain metastasis surgery. The survival rates decrease significantly with a lower score in all tested score systems, with the exception of the ASA-Risk score. In particular, the Katz Index < 6 was identified to have a significant correlation with a lower cancer specific survival (CSS) (HR 3.33, 95%-CI [2.17-5.00]; p-Value = 9.6*10- 9), which is easy to use and has reproducible measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative independence assessment by indices of ADL represents a predictor for overall survival after resection of brain metastases. Especially the easily, objectively and rapidly applicable Katz-Score is a very helpful tool to assess the pre-operative status, which could be additionally included in clinical decision making in daily practice.

Condiciones Biológicas y Sociales relacionadas con enfermedades crónicas en los Adultos Mayores del Centro de Apoyo IESS, Cuenca 2015 / Cohort Study: Biological and Social Conditions related to chronic diseases in older adults, of Centro de Apoyo IESS, Cuenca 2015

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los adultos mayores constituyen el 6% de la población total en Ecuador, estimándose que en los próximos 17 años esta población se duplicará al 12%. Como resultado del cambio demográfico, aumenta la prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas, que se ven potenciadas o desencadenadas por múltiples factores entre ellos: la alimentación inadecuada, el estado nutricional, las redes de apoyo social y familiar deficientes, la existencia de comorbilidades y la funcionalidad del adulto mayor. En este trabajo el objetivo fue establecer las condiciones del estado biológico - social y su relación con las enfermedades crónicas de los adultos mayores en el Centro de Apoyo del IESS de la ciudad de Cuenca. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal de prevalencia, con un universo de 2 000 adultos mayores, una muestra de 398 individuos que aceptaron participar en el estudio. Los instrumentos para la recolección y análisis de datos fueron: formulario socio demográfico, el Índice de Katz, el Lubben Social Network Scale y la Historia clínica individual. Los resultados se presentaron en tablas, se utilizaron frecuencias, porcentajes y según el caso chi cuadrado de Pearson. RESULTADOS: Las condiciones biológicas se presentaron así: sobrepeso 44.5%; obesidad 17.1%, bajo peso 0.8%, alimentación inadecuada de 45%, no se presentaron casos con incapacidad física; sobre Redes Sociales: 57.8% tienen "Bastante", 20.9% "Suficiente", 10.6% presentaron "Pocas"; 8.5% de las familias fueron moderadamente disfuncionales y 6% severamente disfuncionales, el 85.4% son funcionales; la HTA fue la patología crónica más frecuente con el 50%. CONCLUSIÓN: Existe asociación significativa entre: HTA con alimentación y redes sociales; diabetes y osteoporosis con alimentación, hiperlipidemia con estado nutricional y redes sociales; el ACV con funcionamiento familiar.(au)

BACKGROUND: Older adults constitute 6% of the total population in Ecuador, estimating that in the next 17 years, this population will double to 12%. As a result of demographic change, the prevalence of chronic diseases increases, which are enhanced or triggered by multiple factors including: inadequate nutrition, nutritional status, poor social and family support networks, the existence of comorbidities and the functionality of the Elderly. The objective of this study was to determine the conditions of the biological - social state and its relation with chronic diseases of the elderly in the IESS Support Center of Cuenca. METHODS: A cross-sectional study to determine prevalence, with a universe of 2 000 older adults, a sample of 398 individuals who agreed to participate in the study. The instruments for data collection and analysis were: socio-demographic form, the Katz Index, the Lubben Social Network Scale and the individual clinical patient history. The results were presented in charts, we determined frequencies, percentages and Person's chi-squared test. RESULTS: Biological conditions: Overweight 44.5%; Obesity 17.1%, underweight 0.8%, inadequate feeding of 45%, no cases of physical incapacity were existed; On social networks: 57.8% have "enough", 20.9% "sufficient", 10.6% presented "few" support; 8.5% of the families were moderately dysfunctional and 6% severely dysfunctional, 85.4% are functional; Hypertension was the most common chronic pathology with 50%. CONCLUSION: There is a significant association between: HTA with food quality and social networks; Diabetes and osteoporosis with food quality; hyperlipidemia with nutritional status and social networks; LCA with family function.(au)

Geriatric scores can predict long-term survival rate after hip fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND: The management of hip fractures is nowadays mainly performed in Orthogeriatric Units, one of whose fundamental tools is the application of geriatric scores. The purpose of this study is to establish the potential usefulness of Barthel Index, Katz Index, Lawton-Brody Index and Physical Red Cross Scale geriatric scores as predictors of survival rate and readmission rate in older patients after hip fracture surgery. METHODS: We designed a prospective single-center observational study, including 207 older adults over age 65 who underwent hip fracture surgery in the first half of 2014 and followed up to September 2018. Cumulative survival and readmission rates were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier; group comparison, by Log-Rank and hazard ratio, by Cox regression. RESULTS: We found statistical differences (p < 0.001) for cumulative survival rate by every geriatric score analyzed (BI HR = 0.98 [0.97,0.99]; KI HR = 1.24 [1.13-1.37]; LBI HR = 1.25 [1.16, 1.36]; PCRS HR = 1.67 [1.37,2.04]). Furthermore, we could determinate an inflection point for survival estimation by Barthel Index (BI 0-55/60-100*, p < 0.001, HR = 2.37 [1.59,3.53]), Katz Index (KI A-B*/C-G, p < 0.001, HR = 2.66 [1.80, 3.93], and Lawton-Brody Index (LBI 0-3/4-8*, p < 0.001, HR = 3.40 [2.09,5.25]). We reveal a correlation of the Charlson Index (p = 0.002) and Katz Index (p = 0.041) with number of readmissions for the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The geriatric scores analyzed are related to the cumulative survival rate after hip fracture surgery for more than 4 years, independently of other clinical and demographic factors. Katz Index in combination with Charlson Index could also be a potential predictor of the number of readmissions after surgery for hip fracture patients.

Analysis of Functional and Cognitive Impairment in Institutionalized Individuals with Movement Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Many neurological disorders lead to institutionalization and can be accompanied in their advanced stages by functional impairment, and progressive loss of mobility, and cognitive alterations. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the relationship between functional impairment and cognitive performance and its related subdomains in individuals with Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease accompanied by motor dysfunction, and with other neurological disorders characterized by both motor and cognitive problems. METHODS: All participants lived in nursing homes (Valencia, Spain) and underwent cognitive evaluation with the Mini-Mental State Examination; functional assessment of independence in activities of daily living using the Barthel score and Katz index; and assessment of mobility with the elderly mobility scale. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 82.8 ± 0.6 years, 47% of the sample included individuals with Parkinson's disease, and 48 % of the sample presented severe cognitive impairment. Direct significant relationships were found between the level of cognitive impairment and functional capacity (p < 0.01) and mobility (p < 0.05). Among the different domains, memory impairment was not associated with altered activities of daily living or mobility. The functional impairment and the risk of severe cognitive impairment were significantly (p<0.05) higher in female compared to male patients. Among comorbidities, overweight/obesity and diabetes were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with poor cognitive performance in those individuals with mild/moderate cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: In institutionalized individuals with movement disorders there is an association between functional and cognitive impairment. Reduction of over-weight and proper control of diabetes may represent novel targets for improving cognitive function at such early stages.

Relationship between mobility and cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is usually accompanied by impairments to mobility, performance of the basic activities of daily life (ADL), and progressive cognitive decline. We analyzed the relationship between cognitive performance and related cognitive subdomains and mobility. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All AD patients of the recruited individuals were living in nursing homes; they underwent a blood analysis, cognitive examination by using the Mini-Mental State Examination, functional evaluation of independence in the ADLs with Barthel score and Katz index, and mobility assessment with the elderly mobility scale. RESULTS: The mean sample age was 84 years and majority were women; more than 60% of the participants had severe cognitive impairment. Statistically significant relationships were found between the severity of cognitive impairment and functional capacity (p < 0.01) and their degree of mobility (p < 0.05). Among the different domains, memory impairment was not associated with impaired mobility or ability to perform the ADLs. Women had lower scores in the ADL and mobility assessments (p < 0.05) and an increased ratio of severe cognitive impairment (OR = 3.03 95% CI: [1.30, -7.05]) compared to men. Being overweight or obese and high blood levels of HDL cholesterol were directly (p < 0.05) and inversely (p < 0.01) associated with poor cognitive performance in individuals with mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that better functional capacity and mobility are generally, but not exclusively, correlated with better cognitive function, depending on the severity of cognitive impairment. In contrast, lipid profile alterations might play a role in cognitive deficits in individuals with mild to moderate cognitive impairment who are overweight. Further longitudinal studies will be required to explore this possibility.

Chronic morbidity and reported disability among older persons from the India Human Development Survey.

BACKGROUND: The burden of disability and chronic morbidity among the elderly has been increasing substantially in India in recent years. Yet, the use of nationally representative data to investigate the relationship between chronic morbidity and reported disability in the country has been minimal. The objective of this study is twofold: i) to quantify the association between chronic morbidities and overall disabilities in the activities of daily living (ADLs) among elderly people in India, and ii) to understand how various chronic morbidities influence individual ADLs, specifically, walking, toileting and dressing. METHODS: We used data from the India Human Development Survey-II (IHDS-II) as a basis for this study. We computed the Katz Index of independence in ADL to examine the burden of disability among the elderly. Ordered logistic regression was carried out to examine the effect of chronic morbidities on: i) the disability index (where 0 = no disability; 1 = disability in 1 or 2 ADLs; and 2 = disability in 3 ADLs), and ii) disabilities in three ADLs in the population over-60 years of age in India. RESULTS: The percentage of people scoring lower Katz index (indicating severe and mild disability) in at least one of the three ADLs is very high in India (17.91% for males and 26.21% for females). Irrespective of the type of ADL, the Katz score is lower in elderly females than in elderly males. Elderly people who are illiterate and belong to the poorest wealth quintile report lower Katz scores in ADL. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses confirm that all three types of chronic morbidities are positively and significantly associated with a disability condition in the ADLs. Yet, the effects of morbidities vary greatly according to the type of disability. For instance, while diabetes affect walking (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 2.29-2.86), and toileting (OR: 2.63; 95% CI: 2.26-3.07), high blood pressure mainly affects walking (OR: 2.29, 95% CI: 2.09-2.5) and dressing disabilities (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.84-2.46). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic morbidity is a decisive factor in old age disability. It is crucial to reduce chronic morbidity in a timely way to minimise the enormous associated burden of disability.

Correlates of physical disability in the elderly population of Rural North India (Haryana).

BACKGROUND: With the increase in life expectancy, the number of older persons is constantly rising. Disability rates for elderly people are also on the rise with an increase in the burden of chronic diseases depriving them of independence and the performance of activities of daily living. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of physical disability and determine its correlates among elderly population of rural Haryana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 322 elderly participants aged 60 years and above in the rural area of Haryana, India. Data pertaining to sociodemographic profile, self-reported chronic diseases/ailments, and disability assessment by means of Barthel and Katz index of activities of daily living was collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 21.4% and 18% elderly people had some form of disability according to the Barthel index and Katz index, respectively. With aging, disability increased and 52.5% of the elderly aged 75 years and above were found to have disability according to the Barthel's index. Females (P = 0.014), those who were currently not married (P = 0.001), currently unemployed (P = 0.001), and those with chronic diseases/ailments (P = 0.002), had significantly higher disability rates. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed age 75 years and above, current unemployment, and the presence of three or more chronic diseases/ailments as significant factors related to physical disability. CONCLUSION: Disability is associated with increasing age and an increase in the burden of chronic health ailments in the elderly. Consequently, there is the need to prioritize preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services for the geriatric population.

Preoperative Factors Influencing Decision Between Hemiarthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty in Femoral Neck Fractures in Indian Patients-Retrospective Single-Center Study.

INTRODUCTION: The percentage of elderly population is increasing worldwide, with increasing incidence of femoral neck fractures. An increasing trend of arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture is observed. We aim to retrospectively analyze the preoperative factors that seem to influence the decision between hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty for managment of the same. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients admitted with femoral neck fracture during January 2010 to March 2015 in our institute were included in the study. The preinjury independency status was assessed using Katz index scoring system. Based on the data obtained from case sheets, the patients were segregated into hemiarthroplasty group and total hip arthroplasty group. Variables that preferentially appeared in the individual group were identified. RESULTS: A total of 206 hips of 199 patients were included in the study. The factors that seem to influence the decision between hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty with a statistical significance were age, Katz index score, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. Higher ASA grades caused delay in surgery, increasing the length of hospital stay, and these patients more commonly underwent hemiarthroplasty. DISCUSSION: Patients' preinjury functional status influenced the decision between hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty, especially in the age between 65 and 80 years. Preoperative comorbidities did not prevent the patient from undergoing total hip replacement due to early optimization for surgery with the help of the dedicated orthogeriatric team. CONCLUSION: We conclude that preinjury functional independency of a patient is an important decisive factor in the choice between hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty. In addition to other factors including age and comorbidity pattern, scoring methods for preinjury functional status of patient could aid in decision-making. Early optimization, early surgery, and faster rehabilitation help the patients to achieve their preinjury functional status.

A protective personal factor against disability and dependence in the elderly: an ordinal regression analysis with nine geographically-defined samples from Spain.

BACKGROUND: Sense of Coherence (SOC) is defined as a tendency to perceive life experiences as comprehensible, manageable and meaningful. The construct is split in three major domains: Comprehensibility, Manageability, and Meaningfulness. SOC has been associated with successful coping strategies in the face of illness and traumatic events and is a predictor of self-reported and objective health in a variety of contexts. In the present study we aim to evaluate the association of SOC with disability and dependence in Spanish elders. METHODS: A total of 377 participants aged 75 years or over from nine locations across Spain participated in the study (Mean age: 80.9 years; 65.3% women). SOC levels were considered independent variables in two ordinal logistic models on disability and dependence, respectively. Disability was established with the World health Organization-Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (36-item version), while dependence was measured with the Extended Katz Index on personal and instrumental activities of daily living. The models included personal (sex, age, social contacts, availability of an intimate confidant), environmental (municipality size, access to social resources) and health-related covariates (morbidity). RESULTS: High Meaningfulness was a strong protective factor against both disability (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.50; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.29-0.87) and dependence (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.19-0.58) while moderate and high Comprehensibility was protective for disability (OR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.22-0.70 and OR = 0.39; 95%CI = 0.21-0.74), but not for dependence. Easy access to social and health resources was also highly protective against both disability and dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with the view that high levels of SOC are protective against disability and dependence in the elderly. Elderly individuals with limited access to social and health resources and with low SOC may be a group at risk for dependence and disability in Spain.

Clinical assessment of activities of daily living in acute stroke: Validation of the Persian version of Katz Index.

Background: Katz Index is a well-known index for assessing basic activities of daily living. The aim was to determine validity and reliability of the Katz Index in Iranian patients with acute stroke. Methods: Eighty-seven patients (56 male, 31 female) with acute stroke (1-30 days post-stroke) participated in this psychometric properties study. Interval time for retest was 14 days. All participants were Iranian with Persian as native language, had no other major diseases (e.g. cancer, Alzheimer) and no psychiatric disorder. Cognitive mental score of all participants was above 18 (according to Mini-Mental State Examination). If they had another stroke during the following-up period, they were excluded from the study. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimum Detectable Change (MDC) were calculated to investigate the reliability of the KI. Criterion validity of the KI was assessed by Spearman's Correlation Coefficient (ρ). Moreover, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were performed to investigate the construct validity of the KI. Results: Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of Persian Katz Index were reasonable (ICC2,1=0.93, ICC2,1=0.83; respectively). Internal consistency of this index was high (cronbach's alpha=0.79). The high to excellent correlation was found between Katz Index and the motion (ρ=0.88), self-care (ρ=0.98), and total scores (ρ=0.92) of Barthel Index. Factor analysis of the Persian Katz Index indicated two factors including motion (bathing, toileting, and transferring) and self-care (dressing, bowel & bladder control, and feeding). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that Persian version of Katz Index in patients with acute stroke can be considered as an acceptable clinical instrument in practice and research.

Care recipients' physical frailty is independently associated with subjective burden in informal caregivers in the community setting: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Physical frailty is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in community-dwelling older adults. Burden in informal caregivers of older adults causes significant physical and psychological distress. However, the relationship between these two clinical phenomena has not been extensively studied. This cross-sectional study evaluated the relationship between physical frailty of community-dwelling older adults attending an outpatient geriatric clinic and the subjective burden reported by their informal caregivers. METHODS: We measured the following characteristics of 45 patient-caregiver dyads attending an outpatient geriatric assessment clinic: Physical frailty using the Fried Frail Scale (FFS); self-reported independence in activities of daily living (ADL) using the Katz Index; clinical diagnosis of dementia; and subjective caregiver burden using the short 12-item version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Multivariable linear regression was performed with FFS, Katz Index score, gender, age, and diagnosis of dementia as independent variables, and ZBI score as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Only physical frailty significantly predicted caregiver burden (ß = 8.98 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.15, 15.82). CONCLUSIONS: Physical frailty is independently associated with caregiver burden in a population of community-dwelling older adults. Despite limitations related to sample size and lack of data about caregiver characteristics, this study suggests that the relationship between physical frailty and caregiver burden merits further study.

Perfil clínico, epidemiológico y valoración geriátrica funcional en el barrio San Miguel de Asunción, Paraguay

Introducción: el envejecimiento poblacional caracteriza a las últimas décadas. En Paraguay la población mayor de 60 años constituye el 10%, con edad promedio de 70 años. La funcionalidad geriátrica es la capacidad para realizar independientemente actividades básicas de la vida. Objetivos: determinar perfil clínico epidemiológico y prevalencia de dependencia funcional en adultos mayores del Barrio San Miguel de Asunción, Paraguay. Metodología: estudio observacional,de corte transverso, descriptivo con componente analítico, realizado en adultos mayores de 65 años del Barrio San Miguel, de abril a julio del año 2014. Variables estudiadas: edad, sexo, enfermedades crónicas, síndromes geriátricos y capacidad funcional. Se utilizó el índice de Katz, la escala geriátrica de depresión de Yesavage y expedientes clínicos. Resultados: se encontró 3% de prevalencia de adultos mayores de 65 años. El perfil sociodemográfico correspondió a un adulto mayor con predominio del sexo femenino, edad media de 71,8 años, casado, con escolaridad primaria. La enfermedad crónica con mayor frecuencia fue la HTA. El 79% de los adultos mayores presentan algún síndrome geriátrico, predominando la depresión (43%). El 41% de la población estudiada presenta dependencia funcional en las actividades básicas de la vida diaria. Se encontró asociación significativa entre depresión y funcionalidad básica Conclusión: la enfermedad crónica más prevalente es la hipertensión arterial. La prevalencia de dependencia funcional y de depresión es alta en los adultos mayores.

Introduction: The last decades are characterized by population aging. In Paraguay, the population older than 60 years old represents 10% with an average mean of 70 years. The geriatric functionality is the capacity to perform basic activities of life independently. Objectives: To determine the epidemiological-clinical profile and prevalence of functional dependence in the older adults from San Miguel neighborhood in Asunción, Paraguay. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional observational study with analytical component carried out in adults older than 65 years in San Miguel neighborhood from April to July, 2014. The studied variables were: age, sex, chronic diseases, geriatric syndromes and functional capacity. The Katz index, geriatric depression scale of Yesavage and clinical records were used. Results: There was 3% of prevalence of adults older than 65 years. The socio-demographic profile corresponded to an older adult with predominance of women, mean age of 71.8 years, married and with primary education. The most frequent chronic disease was AHT while 79% of the elderly presented a geriatric syndrome prevailing depression (43%). Forty one percent of the studied population presented functional dependence in the basic activities of daily living. A significant association was found between depression and basic functionality. Conclusion: The most frequent chronic disease was arterial hypertension. The prevalence of functional dependence and depression is high in older adults.

Morbidity and mortality among newly hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumococcal bacteremia: a retrospective cohort study in three teaching hospitals in Japan.

AIM: Although the mortality rate of pneumococcal bacteremia has been intensively studied, few studies have examined how it influences patient morbidity. This study aimed to fill this research gap by clarifying the impact of pneumococcal bacteremia on mortality and morbidity. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective cohort study of adult patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumococcal bacteremia in three teaching hospitals in Japan from January 2003 to December 2010. Morbidity was defined as a worsening Katz Index score compared with that before infection onset, new impairment of oral intake or new requirement for oxygen assistance at discharge. RESULTS: Of 135 patients identified (mean age 70 years; 38% female), 116 (86%) were able to carry out activities of daily living independently before the onset of the infection. Pneumonia was found to be the most common infective source (69%), followed by meningitis (10%) and septic arthritis or vertebral osteomyelitis (8.1%). The 14-day, 30-day, and inpatient mortality rates were found to be 15%, 20% and 25%, respectively. The morbidity at discharge was 26 out of 101 (26%) among all survivors and 18 out of 42 (43%) among survivors who were aged ≥ 75 years. Multivariate analysis showed that an age of ≥ 75 years is an independent predictor of morbidity (adjusted odds ratio 16.3, 95% CI 2.0-135.9). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that a high proportion of inpatient morbidity and mortality occurs in adult patients with pneumococcal bacteremia, especially among those aged ≥ 75 years.

Comportamiento del riesgo de caídas en el hogar en adultos mayores / Behavior of falls risk at home of the elderly persons

Introducción: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, en la población de adultos mayores atendidos por el Consultorio del Médico de Familia # 4, perteneciente al policlínico Ramón González Coro, del municipio Marianao, durante 2008. Objetivo: se realizó el análisis del comportamiento del riesgo de caídas de los adultos mayores en el hogar. Métodos: estudio de investigación descriptiva, en cuyo desarrollo se utilizó un modelo cualicuantitativo, y en su ejecución se emplearon métodos teóricos, empíricos y procedimientos estadísticos. Resultados: hubo un predomino del sexo femenino, el mayor por ciento de los adultos mayores presentó algún grado de dependencia, y tuvieron un mediano riesgo de sufrir una caída en su hogar

Introduction: a descriptive study was conducted in the elderly person population seen in the # 4 Family Physician Consulting Room of the Ramón González Coro polyclinic from the Marianao municipality during 2008. Objective: an analysis of the falls risk behavior of elderly persons at home was made. Methods: a descriptive research study was conducted using the qualitative and quantitative model and in its implementation theoretical, empirical methods as well as statistic procedures were used. Results: there was predominance of female sex, the higher percentage of elderly persons had some degree of dependence and also had a middle risk of suffering a fall at home

Comportamiento del riesgo de caídas en el hogar en adultos mayores / Behavior of falls risk at home of the elderly persons

Introducción: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, en la población de adultos mayores atendidos por el Consultorio del Médico de Familia # 4, perteneciente al policlínico Ramón González Coro, del municipio Marianao, durante 2008. Objetivo: se realizó el análisis del comportamiento del riesgo de caídas de los adultos mayores en el hogar. Métodos: estudio de investigación descriptiva, en cuyo desarrollo se utilizó un modelo cualicuantitativo, y en su ejecución se emplearon métodos teóricos, empíricos y procedimientos estadísticos. Resultados: hubo un predomino del sexo femenino, el mayor por ciento de los adultos mayores presentó algún grado de dependencia, y tuvieron un mediano riesgo de sufrir una caída en su hogar(AU)

Introduction: a descriptive study was conducted in the elderly person population seen in the # 4 Family Physician Consulting Room of the Ramón González Coro polyclinic from the Marianao municipality during 2008. Objective: an analysis of the falls risk behavior of elderly persons at home was made. Methods: a descriptive research study was conducted using the qualitative and quantitative model and in its implementation theoretical, empirical methods as well as statistic procedures were used. Results: there was predominance of female sex, the higher percentage of elderly persons had some degree of dependence and also had a middle risk of suffering a fall at home(AU)