Acromegaly and aging: A comparative cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectiveCognitive and functional geriatric assessment may change in acromegaly. Herein we aimed to determine at which points geriatric assessment of the cases with acromegaly differs from that of general elderly population. DesignIn this comparative cross-sectional study, a total of 30 cases with acromegaly (controlled n=14, uncontrolled n=16) and 30 gender and body-mass index-matched cases without acromegaly (control group, CG) above 60years old were included. Cognitive functions were evaluated on the basis of the mini–mental state exam (MMSE). Affective status was determined using the geriatric depression scale. Activities of daily living (ADL) were ranked according to the Barthel index while instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were graded on the basis of the Lawton scale. Nutritional status was evaluated using the mini–nutritional assessment (MNA). Body composition was measured through bioimpedance analysis. Functional mobility was determined using the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and muscle strength with the handgrip strength test. ResultsScores on the MMSE were significantly lower in the elderly cases with acromegaly than in the cases without acromegaly (p<0.001). Dementia was more frequent in the acromegaly group than in the CG (p=0.04). Total MNA scores were significantly lower in cases with acromegaly than in the CG (p=0.006). More subjects in the acromegaly group (33%) were at greater risk of malnutrition than in the CG (3%) (p=0.003). There was greater moderate functional impairment based on Barthel ADL in the acromegaly group than in the CG (p=0.04). ConclusionAcromegaly may impair cognitive functions, functional mobility and instrumental daily living activities in the geriatric population. With acromegaly, the risk of malnutrition may also increase.