Disability In Older Patients Research Articles

Frailty management in older patients: a best practice implementation project

ABSTRACT Introduction: Frailty in older adults can lead to a gradual decline in organ function. Without timely diagnosis and intervention, this condition can progress rapidly, increasing the risk of disability and mortality. Objectives: The aim of this project was to implement evidence-based practices for managing frailty in the medical ward to prevent disability in older patients. Methods: This project was conceptually informed by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. This framework uses an audit and feedback approach and a pre- and post-test design to measure baseline compliance, develop implementation strategies responsive to gaps in compliance, and conduct a final evaluation to measure changes in compliance. JBI PACES and JBI GRiP situational analysis software were used to support data collection and implementation planning. Ten audit criteria were used with a sample of 30 patients in a regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. Results: The baseline audit showed poor compliance, with rates below 30% for all ten audit criteria. Through strategies such as professional training and education, the implementation of evidence-based care guidelines, and interdisciplinary consensus-building, the follow-up audit revealed an increase in compliance to over 90% for each audit criterion. Conclusions: Frailty management strategies based on evidence-based audit criteria were implemented and routinely measured. The most effective strategies for improving compliance included the development of a training course, a digitized assessment tool, team meetings, interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and consensus-building. Spanish abstract: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A225

Selection of disease modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis based on patient's age and disease activity: Data from a nationwide registry

BackgroundKnowledge of the safety and efficacy of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in older patients with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) is limited due to their exclusion from clinical trials. Our purpose is to evaluate the choice of DMTs in pwMS older than 50 years old in a real-world setting. MethodsCross-sectional study of pwMS from the Argentine MS and NMOSD Registry. We included patients under 35 and above 50 years old prescribed DMTs. Disease activity was categorized as highly active (HA) or not highly active (NHA), and DMTs were classified as low efficacy therapies (LET) or high efficacy therapies (HET). Results1460 patients (65% females) were enrolled. The HA group comprised 241 patients, 198 young (82.2%) and 43 older (17.8%). The NHA group included 1219 patients, 893 young (73%) and 326 older (27%). In the NHA group, older patients received LET more frequently than younger patients (66% versus 44%; p < 0.01). In the HA group, older patients received LET in 61% of cases, whereas younger patients received HET in 71% (p = 0.01). ConclusionThe study shows the preference of LET in older patients regardless of disease activity. However it does not demonstrate a difference in disability in older patients based on low vs high efficacy DMTs used, probably due to the design of the study. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to address this issue.

Incidence of Hospitalization-Associated Disability in Older Patients With Heart Failure.

This study determined the incidence of hospitalization-associated disability (HAD) and its characteristics in older patients with heart failure in Japan. Ninety-six institutions participated in this nationwide multicenter registry study (J-Proof HF). From December 2020 to March 2022, consecutive heart failure patients aged ≥65 years who were prescribed physical rehabilitation during hospitalization were enrolled. Of the 9,403 patients enrolled (median age 83.0 years, 50.9% male), 3,488 (37.1%) had HAD. Compared with the non-HAD group, the HAD group was older and had higher rates of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and cerebrovascular disease comorbidity. The HAD group also had a significantly lower Barthel Index score and a significantly higher Kihon checklist score before admission. Of the 9,403 patients, 2,158 (23.0%) had a preadmission Barthel Index score of <85 points. Binomial logistic analysis revealed that age and preadmission Kihon checklist score were associated with HAD in patients with a preadmission Barthel Index score of ≥85, compared with New York Heart Association functional classification and preadmission cognitive decline in those with a Barthel Index score <85. This nationwide registry survey found that 37.1% of older patients with HF had HAD and that these patients are indicated for convalescent rehabilitation. Further widespread implementation of rehabilitation for older patients with heart failure is expected in Japan.

P41: Valladolid Multicenter Study: Factors related to time to referral and length of hospital stay in old psychiatry patients in seven general hospitals in Spain

Objective:Older patients (≥65yo) admitted to general hospitals have increased in the past years. This resulted in an increase in hospitalization periods, health costs, and morbi-mortality rates in this group of patients.Previous evidence points that the reduced time to referral (TTR) to Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Units (CLP) leads to a reduced length of stay (LOS) in GH improving long-term prognosis of medical conditions.This study aims to explore whether a prior disability in older patients leads to delay the search for psychiatric help. And to explore whether early referral to CLP is associated with reduced LOS in general hospitals.Methodology:This is an observational, cross-sectional, multicentre study. We obtained a complete data set from a sample of 152 patients (≥65 years old) admitted to 7 general hospitals in Spain referred to CLP unit for 1,5 months.Results:Mean age of the sample was 76.3 (±6.4). TTR was 14.5 (±18.0) days. LOS was 26.7 (±22.4) days, and length of stay after consultation was 12.3 (±10.3) days. Barthel Index before admission was 87.3 (±18.0) and Lawton&amp;Brody Index before admission was 5.3 (2.7). We found a significant positive association of Barthel Index (r=0.17, p=0.042) and Lawton&amp;Brody Index (r=0.20, p=0.014) before admission with TTR, which indicates that patients with a worse clinical status were attended earlier. Similarly, antecedents of both falling episodes (r=-0.2, p= 0.013) and walking difficulties (r=-0.24, p= 0.003) were associated with shorter TTR. TTR in Medical Departments was 11.7 (±15.0) days and in Surgical Departments was 24.0 (±22.8) days (t=-3.5, p= 0.001). TTR showed a highly significant positive correlation with LOS (r=0.89, p&lt;0.0001) and a more discrete positive correlation with length of stay after consultation (r=0.20, p=0.016).Conclusion:We confirm that a shorter TTR to CLP was related to a shorter LOS. Also, patients in medical wards had shorter TTR. In contrast to our hypothesis, we found that a higher disability prior to hospitalization led to earlier referral to CLP, meaning that these patients were assessed and treated earlier leading to better long- term prognosis and lower health costs.

Predicting Death or Disability after Surgery in the Older Adult.

Older patients are vulnerable to developing new or worsening disability after surgery. Despite this, patient or surgical characteristics predisposing to postoperative disability are poorly defined. Our aim was to develop and validate a model, subsequently transformed to point-score form, to predict 6-month death or disability in older patients after surgery. The authors built a prospective, single-center registry to develop and validate the prediction model. The registry included patients 70 years of age or older undergoing elective and non-elective, cardiac and non-cardiac surgery between 25 May 2017 to 11 February 2021, and combined clinical data from the electronic medical record, hospital administrative data (ICD-10 AM codes) and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) data collected directly from the patients. Death or disability was defined as being dead or having a WHODAS score ≥16%. Included patients were randomly divided into model development (70%) and internal validation (30%) cohorts. Once constructed, the logistic regression and point-score models were assessed using the internal validation cohort and an external validation cohort comprising data from a separate randomized trial. Of 2176 patients who completed the WHODAS immediately prior to surgery, 927 (43%) patients were disabled and 413 (19%) had significant disability. By 6 months after surgery, 1640 patients (75%) had data available for the primary outcome analysis. Of these patients 195 (12%) patients had died and 691 (42%) were dead or disabled.The developed point-score model included the preoperative WHODAS score, patient age, dementia, and chronic kidney disease. The point score model retained good discrimination in the internal (area under the curve 0.74, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.79) and external (area under the curve 0.77, 95% CI 0.74, 0.80) validation data sets. We developed and validated a point score model to predict death or disability in older patients after surgery.

Relationship between Pain Intensity, Physical Factors, Pronociceptive Pain Modulation Profile and Psychological Vulnerability on Upper Limb Disability in Older Patients with Chronic Shoulder Pain.

Chronic shoulder pain is a very prevalent condition causing disability and functional impairment. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between pain intensity, physical variables, psychological vulnerability, pronociceptive pain modulation profile and disability in older people with chronic shoulder pain. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 56 participants with non-specific chronic shoulder pain of the "Complejo Hospitalario Universitario" (Granada) and 56 healthy controls were included. The outcomes evaluated were pain intensity (visual analogue scale), physical factors (dynamometry for grip strength), psychological vulnerability (Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), pronociceptive pain modulation profile (pain pressure algometry) and disability (Quick Disability Arm Shoulder Hand questionnaire). Disability showed a positive correlation with pain and psychological vulnerability (p &lt; 0.05) and a negative correlation with pronociceptive pain variables and dynamometry (p &lt; 0.001). Psychological vulnerability also presented a strong negative correlation with proprioceptive pain variables and dynamometry and a positive correlation with pain (p &lt; 0.05). In regard to the pronociceptive pain modulation profile, a strong negative correlation with pain (p &lt; 0.001) and a positive moderate correlation with dynamometry (p &lt; 0.001) were shown. Our results support a strong association between disability, psychological vulnerability and pronociceptive pain modulation profile in older adults with chronic shoulder pain.

Dysphagia is an independent predictor of hospital-acquired disability in older patients with heart failure: a propensity score-matched analysis : Predictors of HAD in older HF patients.

This study aims to identify the relationship between dysphagia and developing hospital-acquired disability (HAD) in older patients with heart failure (HF). This single-center retrospective cohort study included 360 patients (median age, 84years: 58.1% female, 41.9% male) who had undergone rehabilitation and were aged 65years and older. Patients were divided into dysphagia and non-dysphagia groups and compared based on the Functional Oral Intake Scale score. HAD was defined as a decline in the Barthel Index score (indication of daily activity levels) at discharge relative to that before admission. The relationship between dysphagia and HAD was analyzed using bivariate analysis after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, medical history, clinical and laboratory data, short physical performance battery (SPPB), and cognitive function at the start of rehabilitation, using propensity score matching. HAD was observed in 38.1% of the patients. Patients with dysphagia were significantly older, and had lower body mass index and physical and cognitive function than those without. After propensity score matching, the prevalence of HAD was significantly higher in the dysphagia group than in the non-dysphagia group (61.9% vs. 42.9%, P = 0.032). Dysphagia at the start of rehabilitation was an independent predictor of HAD. The results of this study may contribute to risk stratification of HAD.

Over- and under-prescribing, and their association with functional disability in older patients at risk of further decline in Germany – a cross-sectional survey conducted as part of a randomised comparative effectiveness trial

BackgroundOlder patients at risk of functional decline are frequently affected by polypharmacy. This is associated with a further loss of independence. However, a relationship between functional disability and medications, such as ‘Potentially Inappropriate Medications’ (PIMs) and ‘Potential Prescribing Omissions’ (PPOs), as itemised for (de) prescribing in practice-orientated medication lists, has yet to be established.MethodsAs part of a randomised comparative effectiveness trial, LoChro, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the association between PIMs and PPOs measured using the ‘Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Prescription Criteria / Screening Tool To Alert to Right Treatment’ (STOPP/START) Version 2, with functional disability assessed using the ‘World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0’ (WHODAS). Individuals aged 65 and older at risk of loss of independence were recruited from the inpatient and outpatient departments of the local university hospital. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to model the potential prediction of functional disability using the numbers of PIMs and PPOs, adjusted for confounders including multimorbidity.ResultsOut of 461 patients, both the number of PIMs and the number of PPOs were significantly associated with an increase in WHODAS-score (Regression coefficients B 2.7 [95% confidence interval: 1.5-3.8] and 1.5 [95% confidence interval: 0.2-2.7], respectively). In WHODAS-score prediction modelling the contribution of the number of PIMs exceeded the one of multimorbidity (standardised coefficients beta: PIM 0.20; multimorbidity 0.13; PPO 0.10), whereas no significant association between the WHODAS-score and the number of medications was seen. 73.5 % (339) of the participants presented with at least one PIM, and 95.2% (439) with at least one PPO. The most common PIMs were proton pump inhibitors and analgesic medication, with frequent PPOs being pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations, as well as osteoporosis prophylaxis.ConclusionsThe results indicate a relationship between inappropriate prescribing, both PIMs and PPOs, and functional disability, in older patients at risk of further decline. Long-term analysis may help clarify whether these patients benefit from interventions to reduce PIMs and PPOs.

Psychological Inflexibility And Physical Disability In Older Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain And Knee Pain

Aim: This study examined the associations between psychological inflexibility (PI) andphysical disability (PD) among older patients with chronic low backand knee pain. Methods: Pain avoidance and cognitive fusion were assessed in outpatientsas components of PI andPD, and sociodemographic and pain-related variables were usedas covariates. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was used. The covariates were firstentered, followed by PI. Results: Age and pain intensity had significant positive associations with PD. After adding PI, only pain avoidance was significantly and positively associated with PD. Conclusion: Focusing on pain avoidance may be effective for physical disability when acceptance and commitment therapy is administered to older patients with chronic low backand knee pain.

Oncogeriatrics (part 4.) Pre-operative assessment of elderly patients with cancer

Older patients comprise a highly heterogeneous group, and chronological age, comorbidities, or the type of surgical pro­cedure performed cannot adequately describe the risk of adverse post-operative outcomes. Therefore, current routine pre­-operative assessment also cannot adequately identify patients at risk. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, the mean life expectancy and the treatment goals of a patient must be included in the pre-operative evaluation. The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment helps to determine the primary status of an older patient, to diagnose frailty syndrome and to identify how to optimize a patient’s condition before surgery. Surgery is one of the primary triggers for disability in older patients. In this age group, being independent is more important than prolonging life. This is particularly true in patients with frailty syndrome, or decreased physiological reserves, which arise from cumulative deficits in several physiological systems and result in a diminished resistance to stressors. Therefore, a standardized pre-operative diagnostic approach, individualized surgical technique selection and tailored post-operative care are essential for successful treatment of elderly patients.

Effect of a Simple Exercise Program on Hospitalization-Associated Disability in Older Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveHospitalization-associated disability [HAD, ie, the loss of ability to perform ≥1 basic activities of daily living (ADLs) independently at discharge] is a frequent condition among older patients. The present study assessed whether a simple inpatient exercise program decreases HAD incidence in acutely hospitalized very old patients. DesignIn this randomized controlled trial (Activity in Geriatric Acute Care) participants were assigned to a control or intervention group and were assessed at baseline, admission, discharge, and 3 months thereafter. Setting and ParticipantsIn total, 268 patients (mean age 88 years, range 75–102) admitted to an acute care for older patients unit of a public hospital were randomized to a control (n = 125) or intervention (exercise) group (n = 143). MethodsBoth groups received usual care, and patients in the intervention group also performed simple supervised exercises (walking and rising from a chair, for a total duration of ∼20 minutes/day). We measured ADL function (Katz index) and incident HAD at discharge and after 3 months (primary outcome) and Short Physical Performance Battery, ambulatory capacity, number of falls, rehospitalization, and death during a 3-month follow-up (secondary outcomes). ResultsMedian duration of hospitalization was 7 days (interquartile range 4 days). The intervention group had a lower risk of HAD with reference to both baseline [odds ratio (OR) 0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17–0.76, P = .007] and admission (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.10–0.89, P = .030). A trend toward an improved ADL function at discharge vs admission was found in the intervention group compared with controls (OR 0.32; 95% CI ‒0.04 to 0.68; P = .083). No between-group differences were noted for the other endpoints (all P > .05). Conclusion and ImplicationsA simple inpatient exercise program decreases risk of HAD in acutely hospitalized, very old patients.

Frailty Prevalence and Characteristics in Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Older diabetic patients are more likely to be frail than those who do not have diabetes. Frailty is an important risk factor for both mortality and disability in older patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanism of frailty in diabetes mellitus is not fully understood. Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of frailty and associated factors in older patients with type 2 diabetes in Japan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 178 outpatients who were over 65 years old with type 2 diabetes. We used the Obu Study Health Promotion for the Elderly definition of frailty to divided subjects into a non-frail and a frail group. We investigated the association between frailty and various patient characteristics. Results: In the study, 21.4% of the older patients with type 2 diabetes were considered frail. There were no significant differences in the duration of diabetes, BMI, proportion of microvascular complications, or HbA1c values between the frail and non-frail group. However, serum albumin and IGF-1 levels were lower in the frail group than the non-frail group as were the Mini-Mental State Examination scores. The frail group had a higher number of medications than the non-frail group. In a multivariable analysis, frailty was positively associated with the number of medications and, lower levels of both serum albumin and IGF-1. Conclusion: Our study suggests that diabetes accelerates the aging process and frailty is associated with low albumin, polypharmacy and low levels of IGF-1.

Handgrip strength is associated with, but poorly predicts, disability in older women with acute low back pain: A 12-month follow-up study

BackgroundOlder women with low back pain (LBP) constitute a special subpopulation at risk of severe and permanent disability. It is important to identify factors limiting functionality in this population in order to reduce costs and improve both prevention and intervention. Handgrip strength (HGS) is a biomarker of aging associated with several adverse health outcomes, but long-term associations with disability in older patients with LBP are not known. ObjectiveTo examine whether HGS predicts disability in older women with acute low back pain (LBP). MethodsLongitudinal analyses were conducted with a sample of 135 older women from the international multicenter study Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE-Brazil). Women aged 60 years and over with a new episode of acute LBP were included. HGS was assessed with Jamar® dynamometer, and disability was assessed using the Roland Morris questionnaire and gait speed test. Variables were assessed at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. Linear regression models explored associations between HGS and disability measures. ResultsSignificant association was found between HGS at baseline and gait speed at 12-month follow-up (r=−0.24; p=0.004). A multivariable-adjusted model showed that this association was independent of age, body mass index, and pain intensity (adjusted R2=0.13; p<0.001). A final prediction model showed an incremental difference of only 2.1% in gait speed after inclusion of HGS as an independent variable. No association was found between HGS and score on the Roland Morris questionnaire. ConclusionCaution is needed regarding the use of HGS as a predictive measure of disability in older women with acute LBP. Changes in gait speed were very small and unlikely to be of clinical relevance.

Anterior temporal lobectomy for older adults with mesial temporal sclerosis

ObjectiveTo compare postoperative seizure-free survival between older and younger adults. MethodsA retrospective cohort of 107 temporal lobe epilepsy patients with a diagnosis of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) received anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) between 1993 and 2014. We divided the lower three quartiles (younger) and top quartile (older, all 47+ years) of patients, then reviewed patient registry and electronic medical records to determine time to first self-reported seizure after ATL, the primary outcome (mean=3.5years of follow-up, SD=3.6). We also assessed Engel classifications, intraoperative and postoperative treatment complications, and social disability. We used Cox proportional hazard models to assess the association between individual traits and time of seizure recurrence. ResultsDuring follow-up, 35/107 (32.7%) patients had post-operative seizure(s). After adjustment for potential confounders there were no significant differences in the probability of post-operative seizures between the older and younger groups, though we had limited precision (hazard ratio of 0.67 [0.28–1.59]), (p=0.36). There were more treatment complications and disability in older patients (18% vs. 1.3% for any complications, 84.62% vs. 58.23% for driving disability, and 84.6% vs. 60.7% for work disability, p<0.05). ConclusionOlder patients appear to have more complications after ATL, compared with younger patients. Age, however, does not appear to have a large independent association with seizure recurrence.

Atrial fibrillation, cognitive impairment, frailty and disability in older heart failure patients.

Aim of the study was to prospectively assess the relation between atrial fibrillation, cognitive impairment, frailty and disability in older patients with chronic heart failure . Three hundred thirty-one ambulatory community-living patients aged 70 years and older (mean 78 ± 6; range 70-93; 43% women) in stable conditions and optimized therapy were enrolled in seven heart failure cardiology clinics. Cognitive impairment was defined by a corrected Mini Mental State Examination score less than 24. Gait speed was used as marker of frailty and measured on a 4 m distance at usual pace. Ninety-eight patients (30%) were on atrial fibrillation at enrolment and 20 (6%) had a history of paroxysmal/persistent atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation were more frequently women with severe valvular disease, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and less frequently on beta-blockers. At multivariable analyses, atrial fibrillation emerged as independently related to cognitive impairment [odds ratio (OR) 1.909 (1.072-3.397); P = 0.028], as well as to reduced gait speed [OR 4.366 (2.104-9.060); P < 0.001]. Furthermore, atrial fibrillation was significantly associated with disability in either basic or instrumental activities of daily living. No differences were found in mortality and morbidity. Among patients with chronic heart failure, those with atrial fibrillation present a high prevalence of frailty, cognitive impairment and disability. The hypothetical mechanisms by which atrial fibrillation and heart failure may affect these conditions are multiple and further studies are warranted. However, screening for these variables in clinical practice is simple and inexpensive and may allow better strategies for intervention in this high-risk population.

Unravelling the potential mechanisms behind hospitalization-associated disability in older patients; the Hospital-Associated Disability and impact on daily Life (Hospital-ADL) cohort study protocol.

BackgroundOver 30 % of older patients experience hospitalization-associated disability (HAD) (i.e., loss of independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)) after an acute hospitalization. Despite its high prevalence, the mechanisms that underlie HAD remain elusive. This paper describes the protocol for the Hospital-Associated Disability and impact on daily Life (Hospital-ADL) study, which aims to unravel the potential mechanisms behind HAD from admission to three months post-discharge.Methods/designThe Hospital-ADL study is a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study aiming to recruit 400 patients aged ≥70 years that are acutely hospitalized at departments of Internal Medicine, Cardiology or Geriatrics, involving six hospitals in the Netherlands. Eligible are patients hospitalized for at least 48 h, without major cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination score ≥15), who have a life expectancy of more than three months, and without disablement in all six ADLs. The study will assess possible cognitive, behavioral, psychosocial, physical, and biological factors of HAD. Data will be collected through: 1] medical and demographical data; 2] personal interviews, which includes assessment of cognitive impairment, behavioral and psychosocial functioning, physical functioning, and health care utilization; 3] physical performance tests, which includes gait speed, hand grip strength, balance, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and an activity tracker (Fitbit Flex), and; 4] analyses of blood samples to assess inflammatory and metabolic markers. The primary endpoint is additional disabilities in ADLs three months post-hospital discharge compared to ADL function two weeks prior to hospital admission. Secondary outcomes are health care utilization, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical performance tests, and mortality. There will be at least five data collection points; within 48 h after admission (H1), at discharge (H3), and at one (P1; home visit), two (P2; by telephone) and three months (P3; home visit) post-discharge. If the patient is admitted for more than five days, additional measurements will be planned during hospitalization on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (H2).DiscussionThe Hospital-ADL study will provide information on cognitive, behavioral, psychosocial, physical, and biological factors associated with HAD and will be collected during and following hospitalization. These data may inform new interventions to prevent or restore hospitalization-associated disability.

P169: Multidisciplinary workshop improves medical students’ understanding of disability in older patients

P169: Multidisciplinary workshop improves medical students’ understanding of disability in older patients

Problem-Solving Therapy and Supportive Therapy in Older Adults With Major Depression and Executive Dysfunction

Older patients with depression and executive dysfunction represent a population with significant disability and a high likelihood of failing pharmacotherapy. To examine whether problem-solving therapy (PST) reduces disability more than does supportive therapy (ST) in older patients with depression and executive dysfunction and whether this effect is mediated by improvement in depressive symptoms. Randomized controlled trial. Weill Cornell Medical College and University of California at San Francisco. Adults (aged >59 years) with major depression and executive dysfunction recruited between December 2002 and November 2007 and followed up for 36 weeks. Intervention Twelve sessions of PST modified for older depressed adults with executive impairment or ST. Main Outcome Measure Disability as quantified using the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II. Of 653 individuals referred to this study, 221 met the inclusion criteria and were randomized to receive PST or ST. Both PST and ST led to comparable improvement in disability in the first 6 weeks of treatment, but a more prominent reduction was noted in PST participants at weeks 9 and 12. The difference between PST and ST was greater in patients with greater cognitive impairment and more previous episodes. Reduction in disability paralleled reduction in depressive symptoms. The therapeutic advantage of PST over ST in reducing depression was, in part, due to greater reduction in disability by PST. Although disability increased during the 24 weeks after the end of treatment, the advantage of PST over ST was retained. These results suggest that PST is more effective than ST in reducing disability in older patients with major depression and executive dysfunction, and its benefits were retained after the end of treatment. The clinical value of this finding is that PST may be a treatment alternative in an older patient population likely to be resistant to pharmacotherapy. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00052091.

Physical Performance and Subsequent Disability and Survival in Older Adults with Malignancy: Results from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study

To evaluate objective physical performance measures as predictors of survival and subsequent disability in older patients with cancer. Longitudinal cohort study. Health, Aging and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study. Four hundred twenty-nine individuals diagnosed with cancer during the first 6 years of follow-up of the Health ABC Study. The associations between precancer measures of physical performance (20-m usual gait speed, 400-m long-distance corridor walk (LDCW), and grip strength) and overall survival and a short-term outcome of 2-year progression to disability or death were evaluated. Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models, stratified for metastatic disease, respectively, were used for outcomes. Mean age was 77.2, 36.1% were women, and 45.7% were black. Faster 20-m usual walking speed was associated with a lower risk of death in the metastatic group (hazard ratio=0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.79-0.99) and lower 2-year progression to disability or death in the nonmetastatic group (odds ratio (OR)=0.77, 95% CI=0.64-0.94). Ability to complete the 400-m LDCW was associated with lower 2-year progression to disability or death in the nonmetastatic group (OR=0.24, 95% CI=0.10-0.62). There were no associations between grip strength and disability or death. Lower extremity physical performance tests (usual gait speed and 400-m LDCW) were associated with survival and 2-year progression to disability or death. Objective physical performance measures may help inform pretreatment evaluations in older adults with cancer.

Barber test as a screening tool in multidimensional geriatric evaluation in elderly women with early breast cancer

e20645 Background: The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is a key component of the treatment approach for older cancer patients, but it is time consuming. In this study, we have evaluated the validity of a brief frailty screening tool, the Barber test (BT), for identifying disability in older patients with early breast cancer (BC) in the University General Hospital in Elche. Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2007, a total of 41 patients older than 65 years who were actively receiving chemotherapy for early BC, were enrolled in our study. Eligible patients were screened with the Barber test and completed a standardized CGA (Activities of Daily Living measured by Barthel Scale, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living measured by Lawton-Brody Scale, cognitive evaluation measured by Pfeiffer Test, comorbidity (Charlson´s index), risk of malnutrition (Nutritive Initiative Screening), and ECOG). The validity of the BT in this population was assessed by comparing the BT results with results from a simultaneous CGA. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was employed. The ROC evaluated the BT as a screening measure for impairment compared with the CGA (using the definition of impairment on the CGA as deficits on ≥2 individual tests within the battery, and on the BT as a score &gt;0). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated to reflect the predictive value of the BT for identifying impairment. Results: Forty-one women were recruited. Median age was 72.88 years (range 65.03 to 85.46). 30 patients (73.2%) were older than 70 years. 36.6% were dependent in Barthel Scale, and 46,3% were dependent in Lawton-Brody Scale. 19,5% had cognitive impairment. The Barber test was moderate predictive for identifying impairment compared with the CGA, with an AUC of 0.730 (standard error, 0.081; 95% confidence interval for detecting asymptomatic normals, 0.571–0.889); p=0.012). Conclusions: Functional impairments are prevalent among older patients with early BC who receive adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. The current results indicate that the brief Barber test performed nearly as well as a conventional CGA in detecting geriatric impairment in this population. No significant financial relationships to disclose.