Leisure And Social Activities Research Articles

The combined associations of depression and cognitive impairment with functional disability and mortality in older adults: a population-based study from the NHANES 2011-2014.

The present study aimed to explore the combined associations of depression and cognitive impairment with functional disability and mortality, and whether the joint effects of depression and cognitive impairment on mortality were influenced by functional disability. A total of 2,345 participants aged 60 and above from the 2011-2014 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in the analyses. Questionnaires were used to evaluated depression, global cognitive function and functional disability (including disability in activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), leisure and social activities (LSA), lower extremity mobility (LEM), and general physical activity (GPA)). Mortality status was ascertained up to December 31, 2019. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to investigate the associations of depression and low global cognition with functional disability. Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted to evaluate the effect of depression and low global cognition on mortality. Interactions between depression and low global cognition were observed when exploring associations of depression and low global cognition with IADLs disability, LEM disability, and cardiovascular mortality. Compared with normal participants, participants with both depression and low global cognition had the highest odds ratios of disability in ADLs, IADLs, LSA, LEM, and GPA. Besides, participants with both depression and low global cognition also had the highest hazard ratios of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, and these associations remained after adjusting for disability in ADLs, IADLs, LSA, LEM, and GPA. Older adults with both depression and low global cognition were more likely to have functional disability, and had the highest risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.

Associations between Serum Folate Concentrations and Functional Disability in Older Adults

Folate may have beneficial effects on physical function through its antioxidant effect. Thus, we investigated the associations between serum folate and functional disability in older adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2018 were used. Serum folate included 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and total folate. Five domains of functional disability, including lower extremity mobility (LEM), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), activities of daily living (ADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), and general physical activities (GPA), were self-reported. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models and restricted cubic splines were employed. 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate was inversely associated with IADL and GPA disability, and the multivariate-adjusted ORs (95% CIs) in the highest versus lowest quartiles were 0.65 (0.46-0.91) and 0.70 (0.50-0.96), respectively. The total folate was also inversely associated with IADL (OR quartile 4vs1 = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46-0.90) and GPA (OR quartile 3vs1 = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44-0.99) disability. The dose-response relationships showed a gradual decrease in the risk of IADL and GPA disability as serum folate increased. In the sex, age, BMI, and alcohol consumption subgroup analyses, we saw that the associations were primarily found in females, under 80 years old, normal weight, and non-drinkers. Sensitivity analyses further confirmed the robustness of our results. Our results indicated that serum folate concentrations were negatively associated with IADL and GPA disability, especially in females. In other subgroup analyses, we discovered that these negative associations were primarily prevalent in participants under 80 years old, normal weight, and non-drinkers.

Relationships of Low Cognitive Performance and Sleep Disorder With Functional Disabilities Among Older Adults.

ObjectivesThis study examined the relationships of low cognitive performance and sleep disorder with functional disabilities among older adults. Methods: NHANES 2011-2014 data on 3179 individuals [Mage=69.71] were analyzed. Functional domains included: activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL (IADL) and leisure and social activities (LSA). Animal Fluency Test and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test assessed cognitive performance. Participants self-reported having physician-diagnosed sleep disorder. Results: Participants with both low cognitive performance and sleep disorder had 4- to 10-times greater odds for ADL, IADL, and LSA difficulties compared to the participants with no low cognitive performance/sleep disorder. Participants with only low cognitive performance and those with only sleep disorder were two to three times more likely to experience these difficulties. Discussion: Low cognitive performance and sleep disorder together or independently were associated with functional disabilities. Participants with both low cognitive performance and sleep disorder had higher odds of functional disabilities.

Association between coffee consumption and functional disability in older US adults

The effect of coffee consumption on functional disability has been scarcely investigated. Thus, this study aimed to examine the association between coffee consumption and functional disability in older American adults. Participants (≥60 years old, n 7704) were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2016. Coffee consumption was assessed through two 24-h dietary recall interviews. Five domains of functional disability including lower extremity mobility (LEM), general physical activity (GPA), leisure and social activities (LSA), activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were self-reported. Age- and multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used. Total coffee consumption was inversely associated with LEM, GPA, LSA and IADL disability. Compared with non-drinkers of total coffee, those who consumed ≥2 cups/d reported lower odds of LEM (OR 0·67, 95 % CI 0·50, 0·91), GPA (OR 0·65, 95 % CI 0·47, 0·88), LSA (OR 0·61, 95 % CI 0·45, 0·83) and IADL (OR 0·59, 95 % CI 0·44, 0·78) disability. The dose-response analyses confirmed these relationships. Intake of ≥2 cups/d caffeinated coffee was also inversely linked to GPA (OR 0·67, 95 % CI 0·48, 0·92), LSA (OR 0·66, 95 % CI 0·46, 0·93) and IADL (OR 0·57, 95 % CI 0·43, 0·75) disability, whereas the inverse association of 2+ cups/d decaffeinated coffee was only on LEM (OR 0·43, 95 % CI 0·23, 0·81) and LSA (OR 0·39, 95 % CI 0·16, 0·94) disability. The present study suggested that coffee consumption was inversely associated with functional disability in older American adults. Those associations of diverse coffee types differed across domains of functional disability.

Fresh- and lean-pork intake in relation to functional limitations among US older adults, 2005-2016.

Pork consumption, in particular fresh/lean-pork consumption, provides protein and other essential micronutrients that older adults need daily and may hold the potential to prevent functional limitations resulting from sub-optimal nutrition. Assess fresh/lean-pork intake in relation to functional limitations among older adults in the USA. Individual-level data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2016 waves. Nineteen validated questions assessed five functional limitation domains: activities of daily living (ADLs); instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs); leisure and social activities (LSAs); lower extremity mobility (LEM); and general physical activities (GPAs). Logistic regressions were performed to examine pork, fresh-pork and fresh lean-pork intake in relation to functional limitations among NHANES older adults (n = 6135). Approximately 21, 18 and 16% of older adults consumed pork, fresh pork and fresh lean pork, respectively. An increase in pork consumption by 1 oz-equivalent/day was associated with a reduced odds of ADLs by 12%, IADLs by 10% and any functional limitation by 7%. An increase in fresh-pork consumption by 1 oz-equivalent/day was associated with a reduced odds of ADLs by 13%, IADLs by 10%, GPAs by 8%, and any functional limitation by 8%. Similar effects were found for fresh lean-pork consumption on ADLs, IADLs, GPAs and any functional limitation. This study found some preliminary evidence linking fresh/lean-pork consumption to a reduced risk of functional limitations. Future studies with longitudinal/experimental designs are warranted to examine the influence of fresh/lean-pork consumption on functional limitations.

Hearing Loss and Physical Functioning Among Adults with Heart Failure: Data from NHANES.

BackgroundHearing loss (HL) is associated with poor physical functioning among older adults, yet this association has not been examined in heart failure (HF), a disease in which both hearing loss and poor physical functioning are highly prevalent. We investigated whether this association exists in HF since HL represents a potentially modifiable risk factor for poor physical functioning.MethodsWe studied adults aged ≥70 years with self-reported HF in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). HL was assessed and categorized using pure-tone averages. Activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs (IADLs), leisure and social activities (LSA), lower extremity mobility (LEM), and general physical activity (GPA) were assessed. Multiple imputation was used to examine the association.ResultsOne hundred eighty-one participants comprised our population. Those with ≥ moderate HL had more difficulty with ADLs (37.0% vs 24.0%, p=0.02), IADLs (36.0% vs 23.0%, p=0.05), and LEM (37.3% vs 20.0%, p=0.009), compared to participants with none or mild HL. In multivariable models, ≥ moderate HL was significantly associated with difficulty in physical functioning across four of the five domains: ADLs: PR: 1.71 (95% CI: 1.07–2.72); IADLs: PR: 1.71 (1.24–2.34); LEM: PR: 1.51 (1.01–2.26); and GPA: PR: 1.19 (1.00–1.41).ConclusionAmong older adults with HF, moderate or greater HL was associated with a higher prevalence of difficulty with ADLs, IADLs, and LEM, compared to mild or no HL.

The relationship between lead and cadmium levels and functional dependence among elderly participants.

The adverse impacts of lead and cadmium exposure on health outcomes have been reported in the past. Few studies have been conducted on the relationship between lead and cadmium exposures and disability. We evaluated whether lead and cadmium exposures were associated with functional dependence including the total number of disabilities, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), lower extremity mobility (LEM), and general physical activities (GPA) in an elderly population. A total of 5513 eligible subjects were enrolled in the study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2006. Serum lead and cadmium exposure assessments were performed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Functional dependence was assessed by 19 structured questions. The relationships between lead and cadmium exposures and functional dependence were investigated using by multivariable linear regression models. Q2, Q3, and Q4 of lead exposure were significantly associated with the total number of disabilities, with β coefficients of - 0.62 (95% CI - 0.99, - 0.24), - 0.64 (95% CI - 1.02, - 0.26), and - 0.81 (95% CI - 1.19, - 0.42), respectively. This relationship remained significant in males. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationships between lead and cadmium exposure quartiles and various functional dependence metrics, and we determined that lead content was significantly associated with decreased ADL, LEM, and GPA (p < 0.05) and cadmium content was inversely associated with ADL (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated a strong relationship between exposure to lead and cadmium and functional dependence in an elderly population.

Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and risk of disability among an elderly population.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants. Exposure to PAHs is associated with several adverse health outcomes. However, no previous study has examined the relationship between PAH exposure and functional dependence in an elderly population. Our aim was to examine whether PAH exposure was associated with functional dependence including total disability, activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), lower extremity mobility (LEM), and general physical activities (GPA) in an elderly population. A total of 5816 elderly adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2006 were examined. PAH exposure was measured by urinary biomarkers. Functional dependence was assessed by 19 structured questions. The association between PAH exposures with functional dependence was performed by using a multivariable linear regression model. After adjusting for pertinent variables, positive associations were observed between the total number of disabilities and 2-naphthalene and 1-pyrene quartiles (all Ptrend < 0.05). There was a dose-dependent relationship between 1-pyrene quartiles and all functional dependence domains, and the higher quartile of 1-pyrene was more closely associated with functional impairment (all Ptrend < 0.05). PAH exposure is associated with functional dependence in American elderly adults. Future research is needed to bring to light the pathophysiological underlying mechanisms related to these findings.

All-cause mortality risk in elderly individuals with disabilities: a retrospective observational study.

ObjectivesDisability is considered an important issue that affects the elderly population. This study aimed to explore the relationship between disability and all-cause mortality in US elderly individuals.DesignRetrospective and longitudinal designs.SettingData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999–2002) conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ParticipantsA total of 1834 participants in the age range 60–84 years from NHANES 1999–2002.Main outcome measuresWe acquired five major domains of disability (activities of daily living (ADL), general physical activities (GPA), instrumental ADL (IADL), lower extremity mobility (LEM) and leisure and social activities (LSA)) through self-reporting. We applied an extended-model approach with Cox (proportional hazards) regression analysis to investigate the relationship between different features of disability and all-cause mortality risk in the study population.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 5.7 years, 77 deaths occurred. An increased risk of all-cause mortality was identified in elderly individuals with disability after adjustment for potential confounders (HR 2.23; 95% CI 1.29 to 3.85; p=0.004). Participants with more than one domain of disability were associated with a higher risk of mortality (ptrend=0.047). Adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for each domain of disability were 2.53 (1.49 to 4.31), 1.99 (0.93 to 4.29), 1.74 (0.72 to 4.16), 1.57 (0.76 to 3.27) and 1.52 (0.93 to 2.48) for LEM, LSA, ADL, IADL and GPA, respectively.ConclusionsThe results of this study support an increased association between disability and all-cause mortality in the elderly in the USA. Disability in LEM may be a good predictor of high risk of all-cause mortality in elderly subjects.

Components of Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Disability among the Elderly Population.

The direct relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and function disability has not been established. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between MetS and functional disability in the elderly. This retrospective observational study included 1,778 participants aged 60–84 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2002). Impairments in activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), lower extremity mobility (LEM), and general physical activities (GPA) were assessed. Additionally, the associations between the features of MetS and disability were evaluated. MetS was associated with a high prevalence of functional dependence in ADL, IADL, LSA, LEM, and GPA. After adjusting for potential confounders, a high number of MetS components was found to be associated with increased disability (P = 0.002). Additionally, associations were observed between MetS components, including abdominal obesity and high triglycerides levels, and functional dependence in ADL, IADL, LSA, LEM, and GPA (all, P < 0.05). A linear increase in disability might be associated with the number of MetS components in an elderly population. Additionally, MetS abnormalities, particularly abdominal obesity and high triglycerides levels, might be highly predictive of functional dependence in the elderly.

Diabetes, race, and functional limitations in older U.S. men and women

AimsThe presence of diabetes is associated with increased odds of difficulties in functional tasks but it remains unclear if the burden is similar by race. MethodsOur study included 122,004 non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) adults ≥50 years from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey (2001–2012). Diabetes was defined as self-reported diagnosis or medication use. Functional limitations were defined as any self-reported difficulty in performing mobility tasks, general physical activities (GPA), or leisure and social activities (LSA). Logistic regression models were created to investigate the relationship of race with functional limitations accounting for key covariates, among men and women, by diabetes status. ResultsAmong older U.S. adults, NHB versus NHW women without diabetes had a higher odds of limitations in mobility (OR=1.39, 1.30–1.49) and LSA (OR=1.13, 1.05–1.23) without diabetes but a similar odds of these limitations with diabetes by race, after adjusting for age, income, education, obesity, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, COPD, and cancer. Interestingly, NHB versus NHW women had significantly lower odds of GPA, irrespective of diabetes status. However, NHB versus NHW men with diabetes had a persistently higher odds for mobility and LSA limitations with diabetes as follows: mobility (OR=1.30, 1.12–1.51) and LSA limitations (OR=1.07, 1.06–1.34). The interaction of race and diabetes was significant among women for mobility limitations (p<0.01), but not men. ConclusionsThe burden of functional limitations differs by race among both men and women with diabetes. Future studies should examine mechanisms underlying these differences to prevent progression to disability in older adults with diabetes.

Nutrient intake among US adults with disabilities.

Physical, mental and financial barriers among persons with disabilities limit their access to healthier diet. The present study investigated the relationship between disabilities and nutrient intake among US adults. Data originated from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2008 and 2009-2010 waves (n = 11,811). Five disability categories include activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), leisure and social activities (LSAs), lower extremity mobility (LEM) and general physical activities (GPAs). Nutrient intakes from food and dietary supplements were calculated from 24-h dietary recalls. Adherence to dietary reference intakes and dietary guideline recommendations was compared between people with and without disabilities and across disability categories in the statistical analysis. GPAs, IADLs, LSAs, LEM and ADLs occupied 24.5%, 13.3%, 9.9%, 9.2% and 9.2% of US adults, respectively (not mutually exclusive). Only 42.3%, 11.3%, 63.8%, 47.7%, 48.7%, 9.7%, 48.7%, 90.7%, 21.7% and 4.7% of adults had saturated fat, fibre, cholesterol, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, iron, sodium and potassium intakes from food within recommended levels, respectively. Dietary supplement use moderately improved vitamin C, vitamin D and calcium intakes. People with disabilities were less likely to meet recommended levels on saturated fat, fibre (except GPAs), vitamin A (except GPAs), vitamin C (except GPAs), calcium and potassium intakes than persons without disability. Nutrient intake differed across disability categories, with ADLs least likely to meet recommended intakes. Interventions targeting persons with disabilities through nutrition education and financial assistance are warranted to promote healthy diet and reduce disparities.

Chronic inflammation, albuminuria, and functional disability in older adults with cardiovascular disease: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2008

ObjectiveAlthough C-reactive protein (CRP) and albuminuria are well-documented cardiovascular risk markers, the functional implications of these biomarkers and their combination on functional disability and metabolic risks in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are unknown. MethodsData were from 1403 adults (≥60 years, mean 73.2 years) with CVD, ascertained by self-reported diagnosis of angina, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction or stroke, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2008. Disability in activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), general physical activities (GPA), and lower-extremity mobility (LEM) were obtained from self-reports. The urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was calculated by dividing the urinary albumin value by the urinary creatinine concentration. CRP levels were quantified by latex-enhanced nephelometry. ResultsInflammation and albuminuria were associated with disability. In the full-adjusted models, odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of disability in ADL, LSA, and LEM were 1.60 (1.13–2.28), 1.76 (1.22–2.55) and 2.31 (1.62–3.31), respectively, comparing participants in the highest CRP quartile to the lowest (p values for trend across CRP quartiles<0.01). The corresponding ORs (95% CI) for disability in ADL, IADL, LSA, and LEM were 1.71 (1.20–2.45), 1.72 (1.21–2.45), 1.46 (1.01–2.12) and 2.50 (1.73–3.62), respectively, comparing participants in the highest UACR quartile to the lowest. We found combined association of inflammation and albuminuria with disability and with metabolic risks. Based on medians of both UACR and CRP, subjects with both higher levels of both markers had higher odds of disability and a more unfavorable metabolic profile than those with lower levels. ConclusionsElevated levels of CRP and UACR independently correlate with disability among older adults with CVD. There is a combined association of inflammation and albuminuria on multiple domains of disability and metabolic risks, suggesting the presence of elevated UACR may amplify the association of inflammation with disability and with metabolic risk in older adults living with CVD.

The association between Healthy Eating Index-2005 scores and disability among older Americans

several studies examining diet and functional status of individuals have focused on single nutrients or food groups. Studies examining the relationship between diet and health have increasingly witnessed a shift in focus from single nutrients to overall diet quality. The objective of this study was to examine the association between overall diet quality and self-reported disability. the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). a nationally representative sample of Americans ≥60 years. overall diet quality was assessed using the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005). Self-reported measures of disability included activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), leisure and social activities (LSAs), lower extremity mobility (LEM) and general physical activities (GPAs). older adults with higher HEI-2005 scores were less likely to experience LEM (P for trend=0.001) and GPAs (P for trend<0.001) disability. Compared with older adults whose HEI-2005 scores were in the lowest quartile, the likelihood of both IADLs and GPAs disability were significantly lower in those with HEI-2005 scores in quartiles two, three and four. Compared with those who had HEI-2005 scores in the lowest quartile, the odds of LEM disability were significantly lower for those with HEI-2005 scores in the highest quartile. older adults who do not adhere to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans report disability more frequently than those who do adhere to the guidelines.

Lower Socioeconomic Status and Disability Among US Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease, 1999-2008

Socioeconomic disparities are associated with the prevalence of disability in the general population; however, it is unknown whether a similar association exists between socioeconomic status and disability from chronic kidney disease (CKD, defined as albuminuria or an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). A total of 4,257 US adults aged 20 years or older with CKD who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2008 completed standardized questionnaires assessing self-reported difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL (IADL), lower-extremity mobility (LEM), and leisure and social activities (LSA). We used multivariable logistic regression with population-based weighting to obtain adjusted prevalence estimates of disability by demographic, socioeconomic, health care access, and clinical characteristics. Participants with less education had more disability (age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of disability by lowest vs highest level of education: ADL, 24.5% vs 16.9%; IADL, 34.0% vs 20.3%; LEM, 56.9% vs 44.6%; LSA, 26.2% vs 16.8%; P < .001 for all). We observed similar trends for income. After further adjustment for other sociodemographic factors, health care access, and comorbid conditions, education and income both remained significantly associated, by any measure, with lower prevalence of disability. Among people with CKD in the United States, lower socioeconomic status is associated with greater risk of disability, independent of race/ethnicity, health care access, and comorbid conditions. Our findings suggest that people with CKD and limited education or lower income should be targeted for early intervention to limit disability and further loss of income, both of which could worsen outcomes in CKD.

Oral Health Status and Self-Reported Functional Dependence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

To assess the strength of association between graded groups of oral health status and self-reported functional dependence in community-dwelling older adults. Population-based cross-sectional study. National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999 to 2004. Three thousand eight hundred fifty-six participants aged 60 and older (mean age 71.2) without missing values in the examined correlates. Oral health status was evaluated according to edentulism, severity of periodontal disease, and recommendation of periodontal care and compared with that of healthy controls. Self-reported functional dependence was assessed according to 19 questions in five domains: activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), leisure and social activities (LSAs), lower extremity mobility (LEM), and general physical activities (GPAs). After controlling for demographic and dental variables, health-related behaviors, C-reactive protein, and comorbidities, edentulism was significantly associated with disability in IADLs (odds ratio (OR)=1.58), LSAs (OR=1.63), LEM (OR=1.31), and GPAs (OR=1.45) compared with healthy controls. Likewise, severe periodontitis was associated with disability in IADLs (OR=1.58), LSAs (OR=1.70), and LEM (OR=1.63). The trends toward disability in IADLs, LSAs, LEM, and GPAs were statistically significant across increasing severity of oral health problems. Poor oral health, specifically edentulism and severe periodontitis, is associated with multiple domains of late-life disability, but a causal relationship cannot be established based on current study design.

Cross-Sectional Associations of Albuminuria and C-Reactive Protein With Functional Disability in Older Adults With Diabetes

OBJECTIVETo examine the relationship between albuminuria, inflammation, and disability in older adults with diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSData were from 1,729 adults (≥60 years) with diabetes in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2008. Disability in activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), general physical activities (GPA), and lower-extremity mobility (LEM) was obtained from self-reports. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) (mg/g) was categorized into normal (UACR <30 mg/g), microalbuminuria (UACR 30–300 mg/g), and macroalbuminuria (UACR >300 mg/g). C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were quantified by latex-enhanced nephelometry.RESULTSIn the full-adjusted model, microalbuminuria was associated with disability in ADL, LSA, and LEM with corresponding odds ratios (ORs) (95% CIs) of 1.51 (1.16–1.98), 1.62 (1.23–2.14), and 1.34 (1.03–1.74), respectively, compared with participants without albuminuria. Macroalbuminuria was associated with disability in ADL, IADL, and LEM with corresponding ORs (95% CIs) of 1.94 (1.24–3.03), 1.93 (1.23–3.02), and 2.20 (1.38–3.49), respectively, compared with participants without albuminuria. Elevated CRP (>0.3 mg/dL) was associated with increased odds of disability in ADL and LEM, with corresponding ORs (95% CIs) of 1.28 (1.00–1.62) and 1.68 (1.34–2.11), respectively. Subjects with both albuminuria and elevated CRP had higher odds of disability than individuals with no albuminuria and normal CRP.CONCLUSIONSAlbuminuria and inflammation were independent correlates for disability among older adults with diabetes. There was an interaction of albuminuria and elevated CRP on disability, suggesting that the presence of subclinical inflammation may amplify the effect of albuminuria on disability in older adults living with diabetes.

Association of Diabetes, Comorbidities, and A1C With Functional Disability in Older Adults

OBJECTIVETo examine the relationship of diabetes and functional disability in older adults and the possible mediating roles of comorbidities and A1C.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 6,097 participants aged ≥60 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2006. Diabetes was defined by self-report. Disability was defined as difficulty performing a physical task. We evaluated disability by grouping 19 physical tasks into five functional groups: lower-extremity mobility (LEM), general physical activities (GPA), activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and leisure and social activities (LSA).RESULTSOlder U.S. adults with diabetes had the greatest disability in GPA (prevalence 73.6% [95% CI 70.2–76.9]), followed by LEM (52.2% [48.5–55.9]), IADL (43.6% [40.1–47.2]), ADL (37.2% [33.1–41.3]), and LSA groups (33.8% [30.8–36.9]). Diabetes was associated with two to three times increased odds of disability across functional groups (all P < 0.05). Comorbidities, mostly cardiovascular disease and obesity, and poor glycemic control (A1C ≥8%) together explained up to 85% of the excess odds of disability associated with diabetes, whereas poor glycemic control alone explained only ∼10% of the excess odds. Adjustment for comorbidities, A1C, and diabetes duration fully attenuated the associations of diabetes with disability in all functional groups (all P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONSOlder adults with diabetes have a high prevalence of disabilities with variable associations attributable to comorbidities and A1C. Aggressive management of cardiovascular risk factors and obesity may significantly reduce the burden of disability in this population.

Relationship of Homocysteine Levels to Quadriceps Strength, Gait Speed, and Late-Life Disability in Older Adults

Elevated homocysteine, causing tissue injury by such mechanisms as oxidative stress, endothelial damage, and protein homocysteinylation, is associated with multiple age-related problems including cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and osteoporotic fracture. Disability is one of the most common features in older adults. However, little is known about the role of homocysteine in physical disability among older adults. Participants (>60 years, N = 1677) were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002. Nineteen questionnaires in five major domains were administered to assess the level of difficulty in performing various tasks: activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL (IADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), lower extremity mobility (LEM), and general physical activities (GPA). Peak quadriceps strength was obtained by using an isokinetic dynamometer. Habitual gait speed was obtained from a 20-foot timed walk. Homocysteine levels were measured by the Abbott homocysteine assay, an automated fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). Elevated homocysteine was associated with disability in ADL, IADL, LSA, and GPA after multivariate adjustment. The odds ratios (ORs) for disability in these domains comparing participants in the highest quartile of homocysteine to those in the lowest were 2.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-3.59) for ADL; 1.62 (95% CI, 1.02-2.57) for IADL; 2.00 (95% CI, 1.14-3.51) for LSA; and 1.52 (95% CI, 1.05-2.21) for GPA. The strength of associations weakened somewhat after additional adjustment of quadriceps strength and/or gait speed, suggesting a mediating role of quadriceps strength and gait speed in the association between homocysteine and disability. Homocysteine had an inverse relationship to quadriceps strength and gait speed. Likewise, quadriceps strength seemed to mediate the inverse association between homocysteine and gait speed. Elevated homocysteine is associated with multiple domains of disability mediated in part by muscle strength and gait speed. The results suggest that homocysteine levels may be important indicators of performance status in older adults.

Cognitive Function, Habitual Gait Speed, and Late-Life Disability in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2002

Background: Both cognitive function and gait speed are important correlates of disability. However, little is known about the combined effect of cognitive function and gait speed on multiple domains of disability as well as about the role of gait speed in the association between cognitive function and late-life disability. Objective: To investigate (1) how cognition and habitual gait speed are related to late-life disability; (2) the role of habitual gait speed in the cognitiondisability association; and (3) the combined effect of cognitive function and habitual gait speed on late-life disability. Method: Participants (>60 years, n = 2,481) were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2002. Disability in activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADL (IADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), and lower extremity mobility (LEM) was obtained by self-report. Cognitive function was measured by a 2-min timed Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), an executive function measure from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test. Habitual gait speed was obtained from a 20-foot timed walk. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between cognitive function and disability. Results: Cognitive function was associated with decreased likelihood for disability in each domain. The odds ratios (ORs) for disability in ADL, IADL, LSA, and LEM for each standard deviation (SD) increase in the DSST score were 0.47 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.34–0.64), 0.53 (95% CI = 0.42–0.67), 0.61 (95% CI = 0.47–0.79), and 0.73 (95% CI = 0.61–0.86), respectively, in the multi-variable models. After additional adjustment for habitual gait speed in the cognition-disability relationship, DSST score was no longer a significant correlate for LSA and LEM disability. The strength of the association between DSST score and disability in ADL/IADL was also diminished. The attenuated association between cognition and disability implies that limitation in gait speed likely mediates the association between cognitive function and disability. We found additive effects of cognition and habitual gait speed on late-life disability. The OR of disability in respective domains were lowest among participants with high-DSST score (high executive function) and with high gait speed. In contrast, the OR tended to be highest among participants with low-DSST score (low executive function) and low gait speed. Conclusion: Cognitive function was associated with multiple domains of disability. There was a joint effect of cognitive function and gait speed on late-life disability. This study also suggested that habitual gait speed partially mediated the inverse association between cognitive function and late-life disability, providing a mechanistic explanation in the context of disablement process.