Standardized Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Research Articles

The Role of Multidimensional Prognostic Index to Identify Hospitalized Older Adults with COVID-19 Who Can Benefit from Remdesivir Treatment: An Observational, Prospective, Multicenter Study.

Data regarding the importance of multidimensional frailty to guide clinical decision making for remdesivir use in older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are largely unexplored. The aim of this research was to evaluate if the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), a multidimensional frailty tool based on the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), may help physicians in identifying older hospitalized patients affected by COVID-19 who might benefit from the use of remdesivir. This was a multicenter, prospective study of older adults hospitalized for COVID-19 in 10 European hospitals, followed-up for 90 days after hospital discharge. A standardized CGA was performed at hospital admission and the MPI was calculated, with a final score ranging between 0 (lowest mortality risk) and 1 (highest mortality risk). We assessed survival with Cox regression, and the impact of remdesivir on mortality (overall and in hospital) with propensity score analysis, stratified by MPI = 0.50. Among 496 older adults hospitalized for COVID-19 (mean age 80 years, female 59.9%), 140 (28.2% of patients) were treated with remdesivir. During the 90 days of follow-up, 175 deaths were reported, 115 in hospital. Remdesivir treatment significantly reduced the risk of overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.54, 95% confidence interval CI 0.35-0.83 in the propensity score analysis) in the sample as whole. Stratifying the population, based on MPI score, the effect was observed only in less frail participants (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.22-0.96 in propensity score analysis), but not in frailer subjects. In-hospital mortality was not influenced by remdesivir use. MPI could help to identify less frail older adults hospitalized for COVID-19 who could benefit more from remdesivir treatment in terms of long-term survival.

FRAILTY INDEX AT THE BEGINNING OF ELDERHOOD AND HEALTHCARE COSTS AND UTILIZATION OVER 10 YEARS

Abstract Background We assessed whether the frailty index measured at the beginning of elderhood can predict healthcare costs over 10 years in a nationwide Korean population. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 215,887 individuals who underwent a standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment at the age of 66 years as part of the National Screening Program for Transitional Ages in 2007–2009 and participants were followed up until December 31, 2019, from the Korean National Health Insurance database. Frailty status was defined based on a 39-item frailty index: robust (< 0.15), pre-frail (0.15 to < 0.25), frail (≥0.25). Generalized linear model was used to examine any changes in healthcare cost among pre-frail group, frail group following 10 years from the age of 66 years, relative to changes in healthcare cost of the robust group. This study constructed an interaction term between the frail group and age. Results Frailty status at age 66 years was associated with an increased annual total healthcare cost per NHI beneficiary (robust * age vs frail * age: β = 89.5, SE = 4.0, P < .0001), annual inpatient healthcare cost per NHI beneficiary (robust * age vs frail * age: β = 70.3, SE = 4.1, P < .0001) over 10 years, but not significant in annual outpatient cost per NHI beneficiary after adjusting for frailty category, demographic factor, socioeconomic factor, and time fixed effect. Conclusions: The frailty index at the age of 66 years was associated with an accelerated increase in healthcare costs over 10 years.

A Lower CD4+/CD8+ Ratio Predicts Activities of Daily Living Decline Among Older Adults with HIV.

Aging of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a worldwide reality, and age-related conditions, including disability, have also increased. Efforts are being made to search for more specific markers of immune system malfunction, which serve as good predictors of adverse health-related outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between the CD4+/CD8+ ratio and functional decline in activities of daily living (ADL). Participants in this longitudinal study underwent a standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment by trained staff, using validated tools. Functional decline in ADL was established by the delta resulting from the subtraction of the score on the Barthel index at T1 minus the score at T0 (baseline). Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine the independent relationship between the CD4+/CD8+ ratio and ADL decline. Mean age was 57.9 (standard deviation 6.6; range 50-84 years), and 82.7% were men. Eleven of the 209 participants had disability for ADL at baseline. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed an inverse relationship between the log of CD4+/CD8+ ratio at baseline and the delta of Barthel index even after adjustment for multiple confounders (β = -1.68, 95% confidence interval -3.02 to -0.33; p = .01). A CD4+/CD8+ ratio of <1 predicts the development of functional decline in ADL. This ratio can be a useful marker to identify people at risk of disability and should be considered for the tailored management of older adults with HIV.

Multidimensional prognostic index and the risk of fractures: an 8-year longitudinal cohort study in the Osteoarthritis Initiative

SummaryIn this longitudinal study, with a follow-up of 8 years, multidimensional prognostic index (MPI), a product of the comprehensive geriatric assessment, significantly predicted the onset of fractures in older people affected by knee osteoarthritis.PurposeFrailty may be associated with higher fracture risk, but limited research has been carried out using a multidimensional approach to frailty assessment and diagnosis. The present research aimed to investigate whether the MPI, based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), is associated with the risk of fractures in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) study.MethodsCommunity-dwellers affected by knee OA or at high risk for this condition were followed-up for 8 years. A standardized CGA including information on functional, nutritional, mood, comorbidity, medication, quality of life, and co-habitation status was used to calculate the MPI. Fractures were diagnosed using self-reported information. Cox’s regression analysis was carried out and results are reported as hazard ratios (HRs), with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsThe sample consisted of 4024 individuals (mean age 61.0 years, females = 59.0%). People with incident fractures had a significant higher MPI baseline value than those without (0.42 ± 0.18 vs. 0.40 ± 0.17). After adjusting for several potential confounders, people with an MPI over 0.66 (HR = 1.49; 95%CI: 1.11–2.00) experienced a higher risk of fractures. An increase in 0.10 point in MPI score corresponded to an increase in fracture risk of 4% (HR = 1.04; 95%CI: 1.008–1.07). Higher MPI values were also associated with a higher risk of non-vertebral clinical fractures.ConclusionHigher MPI values at baseline were associated with an increased risk of fractures, reinforcing the importance of CGA in predicting fractures in older people affected by knee OA.

Prevalence, determinants and practical implications of inappropriate hospitalizations in older subjects: A prospective observational study

In a context of high demand for hospital services among older people, we aimed to assess the rate and determinants of inappropriate hospitalizations of older patients, and to what extent they were associated with inappropriate hospital stay.This prospective observational multicentre study evaluated a random sample of consecutive patients aged ≥ 70 years accessing the Emergency Department (ED) of two Italian tertiary hospitals. A standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment was carried out in each patient, including the Blaylock Risk Assessment Screen Scale (BRASS) for identification of patients at risk of difficult discharge. Inappropriate hospitalization was defined by the ED physician when patients did not necessitate hospital-provided procedures but was due to social reasons or lack of an alternative care-setting.Among 1877 patients (median age 80.7 years, 50.1% male), with a high prevalence of functional dependence and social isolation (around 30% and 25%, respectively), 767 (40.9%) were hospitalized. Incidence of inappropriate hospitalization was 14.6% (95% CI 12.1%-17.1%) and was associated with moderate-high risk of difficult discharge at BRASS (OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.16-3.39, p = 0.013) and the presence of dementia with behavioural disorders (OR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.10-2.91, p = 0.020). Compared with patients appropriately admitted, inappropriate hospitalizations had shorter length of hospital stay but accounted for 1059/9154 days of stay (11.6%).Inappropriate hospitalizations occurred in less than 15% of cases, mainly accounted for by patients no longer manageable at home, but contributed to the greatest proportion of inappropriate hospital stay. These findings highlight the need of implementing appropriate home-care services and ensuring rapid access to suitable care-facilities for community-dwelling frail older patients.

Multidimensional frailty increases cardiovascular risk in older people: An 8-year longitudinal cohort study in the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most important cause of mortality and an important cause of disability. Frailty seems to be associated with higher cardiovascular risk, but limited research has been done using a multidimensional approach to frailty. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate whether the multidimensional prognostic index (MPI), based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), is associated with CVD risk in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) study. Community-dwellers affected by knee OA or at high risk for this condition were followed for 8years. A standardized CGA including information on functional, nutritional, mood, comorbidities, medications, quality of life and co-habitation status was used to calculate a modified version of the MPI (range 0-1), with higher scores representing greater risk of mortality. CVDs were recorded using self-reported information. Logistic regression analyses, adjusting for potential confounders, were conducted. The final sample consisted of 4211 individuals (mean age 60.8years, females=58.6%). People with incident CVD had a significant higher baseline MPI value than those without CVD (0.44±0.17 vs. 0.39±0.17). People with an MPI between 0.34 and 0.66 (OR=1.31; 95%CI: 1.03-1.67) and over 0.66 (OR=1.91; 95%CI: 1.26-2.89) experienced a higher risk of CVD (vs. MPI score<0.34). A 0.10 points increase in the MPI score at baseline was associated with a 1.16 (95%CI: 1.09-1.24) times higher odds for incident CVD. Higher MPI values at baseline were associated with an increased risk of CVD, reinforcing the importance of CGA in predicting CVD risk in older people.

Multidimensional prognostic index (MPI) predicts non-invasive ventilation failure in older adults with acute respiratory failure

BackgroundAcute respiratory failure (ARF) is a very common complication among hospitalized older adults. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) may avoid admission to intensive care units, intubation and their related complication, but still lacks specific indications in older adults. Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) could have a role in defining the short-term prognosis and the best candidates for NIV among older adults with ARF. MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study which enrolled patients older than 70 years, consecutively admitted to an acute geriatric unit with ARF. A standardized CGA was used to calculate the MPI at admission. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to test if MPI score could predict in-hospital mortality and NIV failure. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was used to identify the discriminatory power of MPI for NIV failure. ResultsWe enrolled 231 patients (88.2 ± 5.9 years, 47% females). Mean MPI at admission was 0.76±0.16. In-hospital mortality rate was 33.8%, with similar incidence in patients treated with and without NIV. Among NIV users (26.4%), NIV failure occurred in 39.3%. Higher MPI scores at admission significantly predicted in-hospital mortality (β=4.46, p<0.0001) among patients with ARF and NIV failure (β=7.82, p = 0.001) among NIV users. MPI showed good discriminatory power for NIV failure (area under the curve: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58–0.85, p<0.001) with optimal cut-off at MPI value of 0.84. ConclusionsMPI at admission might be a useful tool to early detect patients more at risk of in-hospital death and NIV failure among older adults with ARF.

Association Between Level of Arousal and 30-Day Survival in Acutely Ill Older Adults

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between impaired arousal on admission and 30-day mortality in acutely ill older adults. DesignRetrospective cohort study. Setting and ParticipantsPatients age +65 years admitted to the geriatric ward of a tertiary university hospital from 2010 to 2018 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. MethodsParticipants were evaluated on admission according to a standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment model. Delirium was detected using the short version of the Confusion Assessment Method (Short-CAM). We used 2 alternative criteria to define impaired arousal: lethargy, stupor, or coma according to the Short-CAM; and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of ≤13. Our primary outcome was time-to-death in 30 days, and we used Cox proportional hazards models to explore the association between impaired arousal and decreased survival. ResultsWe included 1554 admissions with a mean age of 81 years and of whom 61% were women. Overall, prevalent delirium was observed in 28% of the cases. We found that in 33% of admissions, patients were lethargic, stuporous, or comatose, and that in 23%, they had GCS scores of ≤13. General 30-day mortality was 19% but reached 32% in patients with GCS scores of ≤13. Impaired arousal was independently associated with lower survival in 30 days, both when defined using Short-CAM criteria [lethargy + stupor + coma: hazard ratio (HR) 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.66‒3.27] and GCS scores (GCS 12‒13: HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.13‒2.33; GCS ≤ 11: HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.68‒3.80). In interaction analyses, we confirmed our results in patients who had impaired arousal but were neither delirious (lethargy + stupor + coma: HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.44‒3.24; GCS ≤ 11: HR 3.07; 95% CI 1.50‒6.29) nor demented (lethargy + stupor + coma: HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.15‒3.28). Conclusions and ImplicationsLevel of arousal on admission was an independent predictor of 30-day survival in acutely ill older adults, regardless of delirium or baseline dementia. Clinicians should be aware that even if unsure of whether a patient has delirium, arousal assessment can provide crucial clinical and prognostic insight.

The Multidimensional Prognostic Index Predicts Falls in Older People: An 8-Year Longitudinal Cohort Study of the Osteoarthritis Initiative

ObjectivesFalls are associated with several negative outcomes. Early identification of those who are at risk of falling is of importance in geriatrics, and comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) seems to be promising in this regard. Therefore, the present study investigated whether the multidimensional prognostic index (MPI), based on a standard CGA, is associated with falls in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). DesignLongitudinal, 8 years of follow-up. Setting and participantsCommunity-dwelling older people (≥65 years of age) with knee osteoarthritis or at high risk for this condition. MethodsA standardized CGA including information on functional, nutritional, mood, comorbidities, medications, quality of life, and cohabitation status was used to calculate a modified version of the MPI, categorized as MPI-1 (low), MPI-2 (moderate), and MPI-3 (high risk). Falls were self-reported and recurrent fallers were defined as ≥2 in the previous year. Logistic regression was carried out and results are reported as odds ratio (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). ResultsThe final sample consisted of 885 older adults (mean age 71.3 years, female = 54.6%). Recurrent fallers showed a significant higher MPI than their counterparts (0.46 ± 0.17 vs 0.38 ± 0.16; P < .001). Compared with those in MPI-1 category, participants in MPI-2 (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.53‒2.94; P < .001) and in MPI-3 (OR 5.98; 95% CI 3.29-10.86; P < .001) reported a significant higher risk of recurrent falls over the 8-years of follow-up. Similar results were evident when using an increase in 0.1 points in the MPI or risk of falls after 1 year. Conclusions and implicationsHigher MPI values at baseline were associated with an increased risk of recurrent falls, suggesting the importance of CGA in predicting falls in older people.

Delirium and post-discharge dementia: results from a cohort of older adults without baseline cognitive impairment.

to investigate the association between delirium occurrence in acutely ill older adults and incident dementia after hospital discharge. retrospective cohort study examining acutely ill older adults aged +60years and consecutively admitted to the geriatric ward of a tertiary university hospital from 2010 to 2016. Inclusion criteria were absence of baseline cognitive decline on admission and documented clinical follow-up of +12months after discharge. Admission data were collected from our local database, including results from a standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment completed for every patient. Pre-existing cognitive decline was identified based on clinical history, CDR and IQCODE-16. Delirium was diagnosed using short-CAM criteria, while post-discharge dementia after 12months was identified based on medical records' review. We used competing-risk proportional-hazard models to explore the association between delirium and post-discharge dementia. we included 309 patients. Mean age was 78years, and 186 (60%) were women. Delirium was detected in 66 (21%) cases. After a median follow-up of 24months, 21 (32%) patients who had experienced delirium progressed with dementia, while only 38 (16%) of those without delirium had the same outcome (P = 0.003). After adjusting for possible confounders, delirium was independently associated with post-discharge dementia with a sub-hazard ratio of 1.94 (95%CI = 1.10-3.44; P = 0.022). one in three acutely ill older adults who experienced delirium in the hospital developed post-discharge dementia during follow-up. Further understanding of delirium as an independent and potentially preventable risk factor for cognitive decline emphasizes the importance of systematic initiatives to fight it.

Older women are frailer, but less often die than men: a prospective study of older hospitalized people

ObjectivesThe association between frailty, mortality and sex is complex, but a limited literature is available on this topic, particularly for older hospitalized patients. Therefore, the objective of our study was to prospectively evaluate sex differences in frailty, assessed by the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) and mortality, institutionalization, and re-hospitalization in an international cohort of older people admitted to hospital. Study designWe used data from nine public hospitals in Europe and Australia, to evaluate sex differences in mortality, frailty and the risk of institutionalization and re-hospitalization, during one year of follow-up. Main outcome measuresPeople aged 65 years or more admitted to hospital for an acute medical condition or for a relapse of a chronic disease were included. A standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment, which evaluated functional, nutritional, and cognitive status, risk of pressure sores, comorbidities, medications and co-habitation status, was used to calculate the MPI to measure frailty in all hospitalized older people. Data regarding mortality, institutionalization and re-hospitalization were also recorded for one year. ResultsAltogether, 1140 hospitalized patients (mean age = 84.2 years; 694 women = 60.9%) were included. The one-year mortality rate was 33.2%. In multivariate analysis, adjusted for age, MPI score, centre and diagnosis at baseline, although women had higher MPI scores than men, the latter had higher in-hospital (odds ratio, OR = 2.26; 95% confidence intervals, CI = 1.27–4.01) and one-year post-discharge mortality (OR = 2.04; 95%CI = 1.50–2.79). Furthermore, men were less frequently institutionalized in a care home than female patients (OR = 0.55; 95%CI: 0.34–0.91), but they were also more frequently re-hospitalized (OR = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.06–1.91) during the year after hospital discharge. ConclusionOlder hospitalized men were less frail, but experienced higher in-hospital and one-year mortality than women. Women were admitted more frequently to nursing homes and experienced a lower risk of re-hospitalization. These findings suggest important differences between the sexes and extends the ‘male-female health-survival paradox’ to acutely ill patient groups.

Enteral tube feeding and mortality in hospitalized older patients: A multicenter longitudinal study

The literature regarding enteral nutrition and mortality in older frail people is limited and still conflicting. Moreover, the potential role of comprehensive geriatric assessment is poorly explored. We therefore aimed to investigate whether the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), an established tool that assesses measures of frailty and predicts mortality, may help physicians in identifying patients in whom ETF (enteral tube feeding) is effective in terms of reduced mortality. Observational, longitudinal, multicenter study with one year of follow-up. Data regarding ETF were recorded through medical records. A standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment was used to calculate the MPI. Participants were divided in low (MPI-1), moderate (MPI-2) or severe (MPI-3) risk of mortality. Data regarding mortality were recorded through administrative information. 1064 patients were included, with 79 (13 in MPI 1-2 and 66 in MPI-3 class) receiving ETF. In multivariable analysis, patients receiving ETF experienced a higher risk of death (odds ratio, OR=2.00; 95% confidence intervals, CI: 1.19-3.38). However, after stratifying for their MPI at admission, mortality was higher in MPI-3 class patients (OR=2.03; 95%CI: 1.09-3.76), but not in MPI 1-2 class patients (OR=1.51; 95%CI: 0.44-5.25). The use of propensity score confirmed these findings. ETF is associated with a higher risk of death. However, this is limited to more frail patients, suggesting the importance of the MPI in the prognostic evaluation of ETF.

Hydroxytryptamine transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5HTTLPR) is associated with delusions in Alzheimer\u2019s disease

BackgroundSerotoninergic pathways underlying delusion symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have not been fully clarified. 5-Hydroxytryptamine transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) is a variable number tandem repeats in the promoter region of serotonin transporter encoding-gene affecting transcription.MethodsWe investigated the association of 5-HTTLPR with delusions in a total of 257 consecutive patients clinically diagnosed as AD according to the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association criteria. All participants underwent a comprehensive evaluation with a standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment and Neuropsychiatric Inventory.ResultsDelusion symptoms were observed in 171 patients (66.54%). In respect to AD patients without delusions, AD patients with delusions showed a low prevalence of S-plus carriers (5-HTTLPR-L/S + 5-HTTLPR-S/S genotypes) [p < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) = 0.240, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.121–0.471]. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for the apolipoprotein E polymorphism showed that in AD patients with delusions the presence of an 5-HTTLPR-S allele may reduce disease duration (p = 0.005; OR = 0.680, 95% CI = 0.522–0.886) and increase aberrant motor activity (p = 0.013; OR = 2.257, 95% CI = 1.195–4.260). The present findings suggested that 5-HTTLPR might be associated with delusions in AD. S-plus carriers might be associated with protective effect against delusions in AD.ConclusionsMore studies on wider samples of high selected demented patients are needed to confirm our results. However, the present findings suggested that a genetic factor related to serotonin metabolism might exert a protective role on the clinical expression of neuropsychiatric clusters in AD with important implications regarding mechanisms underlying delusions and their possible treatment across the AD and dementia spectrum.

A frailty index derived from a standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment predicts mortality and aged residential care admission

BackgroundFrailty in older adults is a condition characterised by a loss or reduction in physiological reserve resulting in increased clinical vulnerability. However, evidence suggests that frailty may be modifiable, and identifying frail older people could help better target specific health care interventions and services.MethodsThis was a regional longitudinal study to develop a frailty index for older adults living in Canterbury New Zealand. Participants included 5586 community dwelling older people that had an interRAI Minimum Data Set (MDS-HC) Home Care assessment completed between 2008 and 2012. The outcome measures were mortality and entry into aged residential care (ARC), after five years.ResultsParticipants were aged between 65 and 101 (mean age was 82 years). The five-year mortality rate, including those who entered ARC, for this cohort was 67.1% (n = 3747). The relationship between the frailty index and both mortality and entry into ARC was significant (P < 0.001). At five years, 25.1% (n = 98) of people with a baseline frailty of < 0.1 had died compared with 28.2% (n = 22) of those with a frailty index of ≥0.5 (FS 5). Furthermore, 43.7% (n = 171) of people with a frailty index of < 0.1 were still living at home compared to 2.6% (n = 2) of those with a frailty index of ≥0.5.ConclusionA frailty index was created that predicts mortality, and admission into ARC. This index could help healthcare professionals and clinicians identify older people at risk of health decline and mortality, so that appropriate services and interventions may be put in place.

Using the Multidimensional Prognostic Index to Predict Clinical Outcomes of Hospitalized Older Persons: A Prospective, Multicenter, International Study

Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) is useful as a prognostic tool in hospitalized older patients, but our knowledge is derived from retrospective studies. We therefore aimed to evaluate in a multicenter, longitudinal, cohort study whether the MPI at hospital admission is useful to identify groups with different mortality risk and whether MPI at discharge may predict institutionalization, rehospitalization, and use of home care services during 12 months. This longitudinal study, carried out between February 2015 and August 2017, included nine public hospitals in Europe and Australia. A standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment including information on functional, nutritional, cognitive status, risk of pressure sores, comorbidities, medications, and cohabitation status was used to calculate the MPI and to categorize participants in low, moderate, and severe risk of mortality. Data regarding mortality, institutionalization, rehospitalization, and use of home care services were recorded through administrative information. Altogether, 1,140 hospitalized patients (mean age 84.1 years, women = 60.8%) were included. In the multivariable analysis, compared to patients with low risk group at admission, patients in moderate (odds ratio [OR] = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.79-6.17; p < .001) and severe risk (OR = 10.72, 95% CI: 5.70-20.18, p < .0001) groups were at higher risk of overall mortality. Among the 984 older patients with follow-up data available, those in the severe-risk group experienced a higher risk of overall mortality, institutionalization, rehospitalization, and access to home care services. In this cohort of hospitalized older adults, higher MPI values are associated with higher mortality and other negative outcomes. Multidimensional assessment of older people admitted to hospital may facilitate appropriate clinical and postdischarge management.

Executive Dysfunction Detected with the Frontal Assessment Battery in Alzheimer's Disease Versus Vascular Dementia.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) lead to progressive decline in executive function. We estimated the prevalence of executive dysfunction in AD and VaD patients, investigating cognitive, functional, and clinical correlates and also using a multidimensional approach based on a standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). We included 215 patients (115 AD patients and 100 VaD patients) consecutively evaluated with a complete cognitive and affective assessment, a CGA, and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) with six subtests investigating conceptualization, mental flexibility, motor programming, sensitivity to interference, inhibitory control, and environmental autonomy. The prevalence of dysexecutive syndrome screened with a FAB score <12 points was high in both AD (97 patients) and VaD (77 patients) (84.3% versus 77.0%, p = 0.171). AD patients were significantly younger, with higher grade of cognitive impairment and less severe comorbidity and polypharmacy than VaD patients. AD patients showed a significantly higher impairment in FAB total score and five FAB subtests (conceptualization, motor programming, sensitivity to interference, inhibitory control, and environmental autonomy) than VaD patients. These findings were largely confirmed in a sub-analysis conducted subdividing the sample in mild and moderate-to-severe demented patients and suggesting that in moderate-to-severe AD there was higher impairment in FAB total score and four FAB subtests (conceptualization, sensitivity to interference, inhibitory control, and environmental autonomy). Executive dysfunction could be greater in AD patients with moderate-to-severe dementia compared to VaD patients, although our groups were also not matched for age, comorbidity or polypharmacy, which could also exert an effect.

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in comparison: prevalence, metabolic profile, and key differences. A cross-sectional study in Italian hospitalized elderly.

The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence, assess the metabolic profile, and key differences (versus healthy) in a cohort of subjects with sarcopenia (S) and in sarcopenic obesity (SO) hospitalized elderly. A standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed. We enrolled 639 elderly subjects (196 men, 443 women) with a mean age of 80.90 ± 7.77 years. Analysis of variance and a multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusting for covariates were used to assess the differences between groups. The prevalence of (S) was 12.42% in women and 23.47% in men. (SO) was 8.13% in women and 22.45% in men. Data showed that either groups had a functional impairment (Barthel index < 50 points). (S) had the mean value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (>15mm/h), CPR (>0.50mg/dl) homocysteine (>12 micromol/l), and hemoglobin (<12g/dl). Ferritin level over the range (>145 mcg/dl) was detected in either cohort (due to inflammation). (SO) had glycemia (>110mg/dl). Key differences in (S) cohort (versus healthy) were a reduction in functional impairment (p < 0.001), an increase in white blood cell (p < 0.01), a decrease in iron level (p < 0.05), in electrolytes balance (Na: p < 0.01 and Cl: p < 0.01), and tyroid function (TSH: p < 0.001). In addition, (S) had higher state of inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate: p < 0.05 and C-reactive protein: p < 0.01), and an increase of risk of fractures (FRAX: OR 1.07; p < 0.001), risk of malnutrition (mini nutritional assessment: p < 0.001), and risk of edema (extra cellular water: p < 0.001). In (SO) cohort, an increase in white blood cell (p < 0.001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p < 0.05) was observed. (S) subjects appears more vulnerable than (SO). Sarcopenia is closely linked to an increase in the risk of hip-femur fractures, inflammation, edema, and malnutrition. The (SO) subjects seem to benefit from the "obesity paradox."

Prediction of one-year mortality by five different frailty instruments: A comparative study in hospitalized geriatric patients

BackgroundData comparing the ability of different major frailty instruments for predicting mortality in hospitalized geriatric patients are scare. Material and methods307 patients ≥65years who were hospitalized on geriatric wards were included in this prospective analysis. A fifty-item frailty index (FI), a ten-domain+co-morbidity frailty index based on a standardized comprehensive geriatric assessment (FI-CGA), the nine category Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS-9), the CSHA rules-based frailty definition (CSHA-RBFD), and the frailty phenotype (FP) were assessed during the patients’ hospital stays. Patients were followed up over a one-year period. ResultsFollow-up data after one year could be obtained from 305 out of the 307 participants. Sixty two participants (20.3%) had died after that time. The FI, FI-CGA, CFS-9, CSHA-RBFD, and FP could all discriminate between patients who died and those who survived during follow-up (areas under the ROC curves: 0.805, 0.808, 0.852, 0.703 and 0.757, all P<0.001, respectively). The CFS-9 showed a better discriminative ability for one-year mortality compared to the FI, FI-CGA, CSHA-RBFD, and FP (all P<0.05, respectively). The FI and the FI-CGA did not differ in their discriminative ability for one-year mortality (P=0.440). The CSHA-RBFD and the FP demonstrated a comparable discriminative ability (P=0.241) and, when compared to the CFS-9, FI, and FI-CGA, an inferior discriminative ability for one-year mortality (all P<0.05, respectively). ConclusionAmong those frailty instruments that were evaluated, the CFS-9 emerged as the most powerful for prediction of one-year mortality.

A pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating an integrated treatment of rivastigmine transdermal patch and cognitive stimulation in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

To evaluate in a pilot single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial the efficacy of an integrated treatment with rivastigmine transdermal patch (RTP) and cognitive stimulation (CS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients at 6-month follow-up. We enrolled 90 patients with an age ≥65 years admitted to the outpatient Alzheimer's Evaluation Unit with diagnosis of AD. Patients were randomized to enter in the Group-1 (RTP + CS) or in the Group-2 (RTP). All patients at baseline and after 6 months were evaluated with the following tools: Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Distress (NPI-D), and a standardized Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, including also activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Mortality risk was assessed using the Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI). At baseline no significant difference was shown between the two groups. After 6 months of follow-up, there were significant differences between Group-1 and Group-2 in: MMSE: +6.39% vs. +2.69%, CDR: +6.92% vs. +1.54%, HDRS-D = -60.7% vs. -45.8%, GDS: -60.9% vs. -7.3%, NPI: -55.2% vs. -32.7%%, NPI-D: -55.1% vs. -18.6%, ADL: +13.88% vs. +5.95%, IADL: +67.59% vs. +18.28%, MNA: +12.02% vs. +5.91%, and MPI: -29.03% vs. -12.90%. The integrated treatment of RTP with CS in AD patients for 6 months improved significantly cognition, depressive and neuropsychiatric symptoms, functional status, and mortality risk in comparison with a group of AD patients receiving only RTP.

Multidimensional Prognostic Index predicts mortality and length of stay during hospitalization in the older patients: a multicenter prospective study.

The Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI) is a validated predictive tool for long-term mortality based on information collected in a standardized Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. We investigated whether the MPI is an effective predictor of intrahospital mortality and length of hospital stay after admission to acute geriatric wards. Prospective study of 1,178 older patients (702 women and 476 men, 85.0±6.8 years) admitted to 20 geriatrics units. Within 48 hours from admission, the MPI, according to an earlier validated algorithm, was calculated. Subjects were divided into three groups of MPI score, low-risk (MPI-1 value ≤ 0.33), moderate-risk (MPI-2 value 0.34-0.66), and severe-risk of mortality (MPI-3 value ≥ 0.67), on the basis of earlier established cut-offs. Associations with in-hospital mortality and length of stay were examined using multivariable Cox regression models and adjusted Poisson linear mixed-effects models, respectively. At admission, 23.6% subjects had a MPI-1 score, 33.8% had a MPI-2 score, and 42.6% had a MPI-3 score. Subjects with higher MPI score at admission were older (p < .001), more frequently women (p < .001) and had higher prevalence of common chronic conditions. After adjustment for age, gender, and diseases, patients included in the MPI-2 and MPI-3 groups had a significantly higher risk for intrahospital mortality (hazard ratio: 3.48, 95% confidence intervals: 1.02-11.88, p = .047; hazard ratio: 8.31, 95% confidence intervals: 2.54-27.19, p < .001) than patients included in the MPI-1 group, respectively. In multivariable model, length of stay significantly increased across the three MPI groups (11.29 [0.5], 13.73 [1.3], and 15.30 [1.4] days, respectively [p < .0001]). In older acute care inpatients, MPI score assessed at hospital admission is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality and the length of hospital stay.