Comparison of the predictive value of intrinsic capacity and comorbidity on adverse health outcome in community-dwelling older adults

Abstract

ObjectivesTo compare the predictive value of intrinsic capacity (IC) and comorbidity on all-cause mortality and falls. MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 220 older adults (84.0±4.4 years) followed for 3 years in a community in Beijing. The methodology recommended by the World Health Organization was used to assess IC, and comorbidity was assessed by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics. ResultsThe areas under the characteristic curve of IC and comorbidity were 0.78 vs. 0.67 (p=0.033), respectively, in predicting all-cause mortality, and 0.69 vs. 0.61 in predicting falls (p=0.032). The vitality domain impairment (odds ratio [OR]=3.28, p=0.013), and cognition domain impairment (OR=3.97, p=0.004) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Locomotion domain impairment (OR=2.35, p=0.010) was associated with higher fall risk. ConclusionIC might be a better predictor than comorbidity in community-dwelling older adults, in which the vitality, locomotion and cognition domains should be given more attention.