Association between frailty and activities of daily living disability in older adults residing in a high-altitude Peruvian Andean community: the Aunqui-Andes study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of frailty and activities of daily living (ADL) disability may be higher in high-altitude Andean regions, due to chronic hypoxia, malnutrition, and physical challenges. and their association is relevant. This study aimed to evaluate the association between frailty and ADL disability among older adults residing in the Totos district in Peru during the year 2022. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Totos district (mean altitude: 3286 m above sea level), located in Ayacucho, Peru, during 2022. A complete census was employed including residents aged 60 and above. The exposure variable was frailty, defined by fulfilling 3 or more criteria of the Fried phenotype. The outcome variable was ADL disability, defined as a score below 95 on the Barthel index. Generalized linear models with a Poisson family, logarithmic link function, and robust variances were employed to estimate crude prevalence ratios and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs), along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We evaluated 272 older adults with a mean age of 74 years, of whom 59.9% were female, 62.1% were cohabiting or married and 83.1% had not completed primary education. We found that 19.5% were frail, while 51.1% had ADL disability. In the adjusted regression model, we found frailty increased the prevalence of ADL disability (aPR = 1.77; 95%CI: 1.44-2.16; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Frailty was associated with an increased prevalence of ADL disability. These findings could contribute to establishing government intervention plans to manage disability and frailty within the high-risk group comprising older adults living at high altitudes.

Association between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Glycemic Control in Older Adults in a Medical Center in Peru.

Objective: To determine whether there is an association between subclinical hypothyroidism and glycemic control in older adults who received care at the "Centro Médico Naval" from 2010 to 2015. Methods: This retrospective analytical study analyzed a secondary database of the care of elderly in the study hospital. The sample was comprised of 1,385 older adults. To detect an association between variables, the Poisson regression with robust variance was used at a significance level of 95%. The analyses were carried out with the STATA 16 program. Results: Of the elderly 45.6% were between 71 and 80 years old; 58.4% were women and 43.8% had a normal body mass index. There was evidence of inadequate glycemic control in 8.1% and subclinical hypothyroidism in 15.2% of the elderly patients. Subclinical hypothyroidism was more frequent in the inadequate glycemic control vs. adequate glycemic control populations (41.1% vs. 13.0%). In the multivariance analysis, subclinical hypothyroidism (aPR = 2.22 95% CI [1.47-3.36]) was independent factor associated with inadequate glycemic control (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A significant association was detected between subclinical hypothyroidism and inadequate glycemic control in older adults who presented at the "Centro Médico Naval" from 2010 to 2015.

Pilot trial protocol: community intervention to improve depressive symptoms among Peruvian older adults.

BACKGROUND: Non-pharmacological interventions have proven effective at alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults. Methodological refinement and testing of these interventions in new contexts are needed on a small scale before their effectiveness and implementation can be evaluated. The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of a future large-scale trial comparing an adapted mental health multi-component evidence-based intervention (VIDACTIVA) versus standard care for older adults experiencing depression symptoms in urban, resource-limited settings in Lima, Peru. Furthermore, this study will explore the acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of implementing the intervention. METHODS: We will conduct an open-label, mixed methods pilot feasibility study with two parallel groups. A total of 64 older adults, stratified by sex, will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio to either the "intervention" or "control." Participants will be followed for 22 weeks after enrollment. Those in the intervention group will receive eight VIDACTIVA sessions administered by community health workers (CHWs) over 14 weeks, with an additional eight weeks of follow-up. Participants in the control group will receive two psychoeducation sessions from a study fieldworker and will be directed to health care centers. Standard care does not involve CHWs. We will evaluate screening rates, recruitment strategies, retention rates, the acceptability of randomization, and assessments. Additionally, we will assess preliminary implementation outcomes-acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity-from the perspectives of CHWs (interventionists), older adults (main participants), older adults' relatives, and healthcare professionals. DISCUSSION: If the findings from this feasibility trial are favorable, a fully powered randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate `both the effectiveness and implementation of the intervention. This research will make a substantial contribution to the field of mental health in older adults, particularly by emphasizing a meticulous examination and documentation of the implementation process. By doing so, this study will offer valuable methodologies and metrics for adapting and assessing mental health interventions tailored to the unique needs of older adults in resource-constrained contexts and diverse cultural settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The current trial registration number is NCT06065020, which was registered on 26th September 2023.

Risk factors associated with dengue complications and death: A cohort study in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Dengue has emerged as an unprecedented epidemic in Peru, and it is anticipated that this issue will escalate further owing to climate change. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with death from dengue in patients treated at Hospital II in Pucallpa, Peru. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort study collected information from the medical records of patients with a diagnosis of dengue treated at Hospital II Pucallpa-Peru between January 2019 and March 2023. The primary outcome was death, and the secondary outcome was death, development of severe dengue, or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. Cox regression models were used to determine risk factors. FINDINGS: The clinical records of 152 patients were evaluated, with a median age of 27.5 years (interquartile range, 11-45). Among all patients, 29 (19.1%) developed severe dengue, 31 (20.4%) were admitted to the ICU, and 13 (8.6%) died during follow-up. In the survival analysis, bilirubin >1.2 mg/dL was associated with a higher risk of death aHR: 11.38 (95% CI: 1.2 106.8). Additionally, factors associated with poor prognosis included having 1 to 3 comorbidities aRR: 1.92 (1.2 to 3.2), AST ≥251 U/L aRR: 6.79 (2.2 to 21.4), history of previous dengue aRR: 1.84 (1.0 to 3.3), and fibrinogen ≥400 mg/dL aRR: 2.23 (1.2 to 4.1). SIGNIFICANCE: Elevated bilirubin was associated with death from dengue, whereas an increase in comorbidities and a history of previous dengue were related to a poor prognosis of the disease. Early identification of severe dengue would be more feasible with improved access to laboratory testing, particularly in tropical areas with a high dengue incidence.

Association between Gait Speed and Balance Disorders in Older Adults from 12 High Andean Peruvian Communities, 2013-2019.

BACKGROUND: Gait speed is associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders in older adults residing at high altitudes. This study investigated this association in older adults from 12 high-altitude Andean Peruvian communities. METHODS: We performed a secondary data analysis from an analytical cross-sectional study of adults >60 years of age, residing in 12 high-altitude Andean Peruvian communities, enrolled between 2013 and 2019. The exposure and outcome variables were gait speed (categorized in tertiles), and balance disorders (defined as a functional reach value of ≤20.32 cm), respectively. We built generalized linear models of the Poisson family with a logarithmic link function and robust variances, and estimated crude prevalence ratios (cPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We analyzed 418 older adults; 38.8% (n=162) were male, and the mean age was 73.2±6.9 years. The mean gait speed and functional reach were 0.66±0.24 m/s and 19.9±6.48 cm, respectively. In the adjusted regression model, the intermediate (aPR=1.88; 95% CI, 1.39-2.55; p<0.001) and low (aPR=2.04; 95% CI, 1.51-2.76; p<0.001) tertiles of gait speed were associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders. CONCLUSION: The intermediate and low tertiles of gait speed were associated with a higher prevalence of balance disorders among older adult residents of 12 high-altitude Andean communities. We recommend further research on the behavior of this association to propose interventions for these vulnerable groups and reduce the impact of geriatric conditions.

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity among community-dwelling Peruvian adults: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) have emerged as significant contributors to negative health outcomes in the past decade. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of probable sarcopenia, sarcopenia, and SO in a community-dwelling population of 1151 adults aged ≥55 years in Lima, Peru. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2018 and 2020. Sarcopenia was defined as the presence of low muscle strength (LMS) and low muscle mass (LMM) according to European (EWGSOP2), US (FNIH) and Asian (AWGS2) guidelines. We measured muscle strength by maximum handgrip strength and muscle mass using bioelectrical impedance analyzer. SO was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 and sarcopenia. RESULTS: The study participants had a mean age of 66.2 years (SD 7.1), age range between 60 to 92 years old, of which 621 (53.9%) were men. Among the sample, 41.7% were classified as obese (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m²). The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was estimated to be 22.7% (95%CI: 20.3-25.1) using the EWGSOP2 criteria and 27.8% (95%CI: 25.2-30.4) using the AWGS2 criteria. Sarcopenia prevalence, assessed using skeletal muscle index (SMI), was 5.7% (95%CI: 4.4-7.1) according to EWGSOP2 and 8.3% (95%CI: 6.7-9.9) using AWGS2 criteria. The prevalence of sarcopenia based on the FNIH criteria was 18.1% (95%CI: 15.8-20.3). The prevalence of SO, considering different sarcopenia definitions, ranged from 0.8% (95%CI: 0.3-1.3) to 5.0% (95%CI: 3.8-6.3). CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal substantial variation in the prevalence of sarcopenia and SO, underscoring the necessity for context-specific cut-off values. Although the prevalence of SO was relatively low, this result may be underestimated. Furthermore, the consistently high proportion of probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia point to a substantial public health burden.

Evaluation of Factors Influencing Handgrip Strength Asymmetry in Older Peruvian Adults.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a musculoskeletal disease involving the reduction of muscle mass, strength, and performance. Handgrip strength (HGS) measurements included in frailty assessments are great biomarkers of aging and are related to functional deficits. We assessed the association between potential influencing factors and HGS asymmetry in older Peruvian adults. METHODS: We used a database of the Peruvian Naval Medical Center "Cirujano Santiago Távara" located in Callao, Peru. All the patients included were ≥60 years old and had an HGS measurement in the dominant and non-dominant hand. RESULTS: From a total of 1,468 patients, 74.66% had HGS asymmetry. After adjustment, calf circumference weakness (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]=1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.15), falls risk (aPR = 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02-1.16), and an altered Lawton index (aPR=0.92; 95% CI, 0.84-0.99) were associated with HGS asymmetry. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that HGS asymmetry should be measured along with other geriatric assessments used to evaluate health outcomes in the elderly to enhance health promotion and prevention aimed at preserving muscle strength to curb functional limitations in the elderly.

A task force for diagnosis and treatment of people with Alzheimer's disease in Latin America.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a substantial burden to patients, their caregivers, health systems, and society in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This impact is exacerbated by limited access to diagnosis, specialized care, and therapies for AD within and among nations. The region has varied geographic, ethnic, cultural, and economic conditions, which create unique challenges to AD diagnosis and management. To address these issues, the Americas Health Foundation convened a panel of eight neurologists, geriatricians, and psychiatrists from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru who are experts in AD for a three-day virtual meeting to discuss best practices for AD diagnosis and treatment in LAC and create a manuscript offering recommendations to address identified barriers. In LAC, several barriers hamper diagnosing and treating people with dementia. These barriers include access to healthcare, fragmented healthcare systems, limited research funding, unstandardized diagnosis and treatment, genetic heterogeneity, and varying social determinants of health. Additional training for physicians and other healthcare workers at the primary care level, region-specific or adequately adapted cognitive tests, increased public healthcare insurance coverage of testing and treatment, and dedicated search strategies to detect populations with gene variants associated with AD are among the recommendations to improve the landscape of AD.

Asociación entre el bajo nivel de vitamina B12 y deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores del centro médico naval del Perú

Introducción: Los adultos mayores son suscepctibles a la malnutrición y el déficit de vitaminas. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre el bajo nivel de vitamina B12 y el deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores del centro médico naval, ubicado en Lima-Perú, en el periodo 2010-2015. Métodos : Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico, a partir de un análisis secundario de la base de datos Texas-Cemena UTMB 2010-2015 del centro de investigación del envejecimiento (CIEN) de la Universidad De San Martín De Porres. Para la cuantificación de la variable de deterioro cognitivo se utilizó el MiniMental test. Para analizar la asociación, se realizó la prueba de chi cuadrado y la regresión de Poisson. Resultados : El 57,6% de los pacientes fueron de sexo masculino y la edad promedio fue de 78 ± 8,4. El 41,2% presentó deterioro cognitivo y el 9,5% de los pacientes presentó déficit de vitamina b12. Los factores independientemente asociados al deterioro cognitivo fueron el antecedente de enfermedad cerebro vascular (RP= 1,38 IC 95% [1,24-1,53]), depresión (RP = 1,88 IC 95% [1,80-1,97]),) y déficit de vitamina B12 (RP = 1,10 ic 95% [1,01-1,20]),). Conclusiones : En el presente estudio se encontró asociación entre un bajo nivel de vitamina B12 y el deterioro cognitivo en adultos mayores.

Introduction: Older adults are susceptible to malnutrition and vitamin deficiency. Objective: To determine the association between the low level of vitamin B12 and cognitive deterioration in older adults from the Naval Medical Center, located in Lima-Peru, in the period 2010-2015. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out, based on a secondary analysis of the Texas-Cemena UTMB 2010-2015 database of the center for research on aging (cien) of The University Of San Martín De Porres. To quantify the cognitive impairment variable, the mini mental test was used. To analyze the association, the chi-square test and poisson regression were performed. Results: 57.6% of the patients were male and the mean age was 78 ± 8.4. 41.2% presented cognitive deterioration and 9.5% of the patients presented vitamin B12 deficiency. The factors independently associated with cognitive impairment were a history of cerebrovascular disease (pr= 1.38 95% ci [1.24-1.53]), depression (pr= 1.88 95% ci [1.80-1 .97]) and vitamin B12 deficiency (pr = 1.10 95% ci [1.01-1.20]). Conclusions: In the present study, an association was found between a low level of vitamin B12 and cognitive deterioration in older adults.

Agency and Mental Health Among Peruvian Older Adults During the COVID-19 Lockdown.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences of older Peruvian adults living in urban areas of Lima under lockdown due to the National COVID-19 Emergency, this study analyzes how older adults (aged 60 and older) exercise agency while also living with the negative impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related control measures. METHODS: Between August and December 2020, our research team conducted a telephone-based, qualitative study, in which we undertook semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of low-income older adults living with chronic multimorbidities and limited resources. Forty older adults, 24 women and 16 men, with a mean age of 72 years, participated in the study. For data analysis, we employed thematic analysis with a predominantly inductive approach. RESULTS: Older adults demonstrated several forms of agency to regulate emotions, maintain crucial bonds, foster social relationships, and seek economic and food security. Older adults experienced entertainment and support by caring for pets, undertaking farm work, and practicing their religious beliefs. For several participants and their families, quarantine was an opportunity to strengthen family relationships and learn new technologies. Older adults and their families reorganized themselves to assume new roles and perform activities that improved self-worth and confidence, thereby improving their well-being and mental health. DISCUSSION: Peruvian older adults exerted agency in different ways to respond to and sustain their mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown. Policymakers should value and recognize the agency of older adults when planning future health responses.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension as predictors of community-acquired pneumonia in Peruvian older adults with cancer

Objective: To evaluate DM2 and hypertension as predictors of CAP in older adults with cancer. Material and Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of a prospective cohort study in older adults with cancer from the Geriatrics Service of the Centro Médico Naval (CEMENA) of Peru during 2013-2015. T2DM and hypertension diagnosis were obtained from medical records. CAP was defined according to clinical and radiological diagnostic criteria and it was collected from the medical records of the patients up to one year after their inclusion in the study. We used the statistical software STATA v14.0 to develop the analysis. We performed multivariate analysis using crude and adjusted Cox regression models. The reported measure was the hazard ratio (HR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: A total of 231 older adults with cancer were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 78.6 ± 4.2 (range: 74-92 years) and all of them were men. 33 (14.29%) patients developed CAP during the follow-up, 53 (21.65%) had hypertension, and 56 (22.65%) T2DM. CAP was more frequent in patients with lung cancer and lymphomas. In the adjusted Cox regression models, we found T2DM (aHR=1.49; 95%CI: 1.21-1.79) and hypertension (aHR=1.32; 95%CI: 1.24-1.50) were predictors of CAP incidence. Conclusion: T2DM and hypertension were associated with CAP incidence in oncogeriatric patients. Future intervention studies are needed to improve the functionality and prevent CAP in this vulnerable population.

Objetivo: Evaluar la DM2 y la hipertensión como predictores de NAC en adultos mayores con cáncer. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un análisis de base secundaria de una cohorte prospectiva en adultos mayores con diagnóstico de cáncer del Servicio de Geriatría del Centro Médico Naval (CEMENA) del Perú durante 2013-2015. Los diagnósticos de DM2 e hipertensión se obtuvieron de las historias clínicas. La NAC se definió según criterios diagnósticos clínicos y radiológicos y se recogió de las historias clínicas de los pacientes hasta un año después de su inclusión en el estudio. Utilizamos el software estadístico STATA v14.0 para desarrollar el análisis. Realizamos un análisis multivariante utilizando modelos de regresión de Cox crudos y ajustados. La medida reportada fue la razón de hazards (HR) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 231 adultos mayores con cáncer. La edad media de los participantes fue de 78,6 ± 4,2 (rango: 74-92 años) y todos ellos eran hombres. 33 (14,29%) pacientes desarrollaron NAC durante el seguimiento, 53 (21,65%) tenían hipertensión y 56 (22,65%) DM2. La NAC fue más frecuente en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón y linfomas. En los modelos de regresión de Cox ajustados se encontró que tener DM2 (HRa=1,49; IC95%: 1,21-1,79) o hipertensión arterial (HRa=1,32; IC95%: 1,24-1,50) fueron predictores para la incidencia de NAC. Conclusiones: La DM2 y la hipertensión se asociaron con la incidencia de NAC en pacientes oncogeriátricos. Son necesarios futuros estudios de intervención para mejorar la funcionalidad y prevenir la NAC en esta población vulnerable.

Never Thought I was Going to be Placed in a Situation Like This: In the Shoes of the Doctor Responsible for Municipal Health, Back in My Country, Perú.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way of living on the planet and, in my case, revealed the fragility of primary care services to respond to a health emergency that mainly affected older adults. Upon obtaining my medical degree, I felt guaranteed to have the skills to be a primary care physician; however, the coronavirus gave me "a reality bath with the aroma of impotence, bewilderment, and abandonment." Contradictory provisions and regulations, absence of a continuous policy, poor leadership, insufficient resources, and mismanagement by the Ministry of Health. Scandals of possible corruption and vices in the processes of research studies on vaccines. Anti-vaccine strategies, screening tests without evidence. The reference hospitals without oxygen, intensive care beds, and the outpatient consultations of specialist doctors closed. A community that is organized and wants to help but does not have a clear technical guide. These are some of the things I have had to deal with as head of a municipal health program. Meanwhile, I watched helplessly as members of my community continued to die and become disabled. Learning from mistakes and horrors is our duty. I narrate this experience to contribute to being prepared for the next time.

Cognitive Frailty as a Predictor of Mortality in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study in Peru.

Objective: To evaluate the role of cognitive frailty and its components as risk factors of mortality in older adults of the Centro Médico Naval (CEMENA) in Callao, Peru during 2010-2015. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort that included older adults (60 years and older) treated at the CEMENA Geriatrics service between 2010-2015. Frailty was defined as the presence of three or more criteria of the modified Fried Phenotype. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Peruvian version of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), considering a score <21 as cognitive impairment. Cognitive frailty was defined as the coexistence of both. In addition, we included sociodemographic characteristics, medical and personal history, as well as the functional evaluation of each participant. Results: We included 1,390 older adults (mean follow-up: 2.2 years), with a mean age of 78.5 ± 8.6 years and 59.6% (n = 828) were male. Cognitive frailty was identified in 11.3% (n = 157) and 9.9% (n = 138) died during follow-up. We found that cognitive frailty in older adults (aHR = 3.57; 95%CI: 2.33-5.49), as well as its components, such as sedentary behavior and cognitive impairment (aHR = 7.05; 95%CI: 4.46-11.13), weakness and cognitive impairment (aHR = 6.99; 95%CI: 4.41-11.06), and exhaustion and cognitive impairment (aHR = 4.51; 95%CI: 3.11-6.54) were associated with a higher risk of mortality. Conclusion: Cognitive frailty and its components were associated with a higher risk of mortality in older adults. It is necessary to develop longitudinal studies with a longer follow-up and that allow evaluating the effect of interventions in this vulnerable group of patients to limit adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality.

Asociación entre dependencia funcional y calidad de vida en pacientes adultos mayores oncológicos / Association between functional dependence and quality of life in older adult oncology patients

RESUMEN Introducción: La presencia de comorbilidades modula el proceso de envejecimiento, el diagnóstico de cáncer puede comprometer de manera importante la salud del adulto mayor, lo cual repercute en su calidad de vida. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre la dependencia funcional y la calidad de vida en pacientes oncológicos adultos mayores tratados con radioterapia. Métodos: Estudio analítico retrospectivo, realizado en 181 pacientes ambulatorios del Centro Médico Naval del Callao, Perú, varones, mayores de 60 años. Se valoró la dependencia funcional mediante los índices de Barthel y el de Lawton; y la calidad de vida mediante la escala de calidad de vida en adultos mayores de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (WHOQoL-Old). Resultados: Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre dependencia funcional y calidad de vida, tanto para las actividades básicas de la vida diaria (PR= 1,04 [IC 95 %; 1,01-1,07]) como para las actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria (PR= 1,08 (IC 95 %: 1,01 - 1,13). Conclusiones: En los pacientes adultos mayores oncológicos tratados con radioterapia, se encuentra asociación significativa entre dependencia funcional y una pobre calidad de vida.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The presence of comorbidities modulates the aging process, the diagnosis of cancer can significantly compromise the health of the elderly, which affects their quality of life. Objective: Determine the association between the functional dependence and the quality of life in elderly oncology patients treated with radiotherapy. Methods: Retrospective analytical study, carried out in 181 outpatients of Centro Médico Naval del Callao, Perú, male, older than 60 years. The functional dependence was assessed with Barthel index and Lawton scale; and the quality of life was assessed with World Health Organization Quality of Life-Older Adults Module (WHOQoL-Old). Results: A statistically significant association was found between functional dependence and quality of life, for both the basic activities of daily living (PR= 1.04 [IC 95 %: 1.01-1.07]), and the instrumental activities of daily living (PR= 1.08 [IC 95 %: 1.01 - 1.13]). Conclusion: There was significant association between the functional dependence and the poor quality of life in the elderly oncology patients treated with radiotherapy.

Validation of Picture Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test for Illiteracy in Lima, Peru.

Dementia in Latin America is a crucial public health problem. Identifying brief cognitive screening (BCS) tools for the primary care setting is crucial, particularly for illiterate individuals. We evaluated tool performance characteristics and validated the free and total recall sections of the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test-Picture version (FCSRT-Picture) to discriminate between 63 patients with early Alzheimer's disease dementia (ADD), 60 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and 64 cognitively healthy Peruvian individuals with illiteracy from an urban area. Clinical, functional, and cognitive assessments were performed. FCSRT-Picture performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. The mean ± standard deviation scores were 7.7 ± 1.0 in ADD, 11.8 ± 1.6 in aMCI, and 29.5 ± 1.8 in controls. The FCSRT-Picture had better performance characteristics for distinguishing controls from aMCI compared with several other BCS tools, but similar characteristics between controls and early ADD. The FCSRT-Picture is a reliable BCS tool for illiteracy in Peru.

Covid 19, mortalidad en adulto mayor y factores asociados / Covid 19, mortality in the elderly and associated factors

Objetivo: Determinar las variables asociadas a la mortalidad por COVID 19 en población adulta mayor. El estudio: estudio observacional, 521 pacientes de 60 a más años con diagnóstico clínico/laboratorial de COVID -19; incluyó variables edad, sexo, prioridad de atención, procedencia, comorbilidades, estancia, frecuencia respiratoria y cardiaca, SO2, temperatura y signos/síntomas. Hallazgos: fallecidos, mayor frecuencia en julio (50.7%), 91,9% prioridad I/II, edad 70.1 ± 7.5 años, masculinos (71,0%), FC 103,7 ± 18,1 lat./min, FR 29,4 ± 6,4 resp./min (p<0,001), SO2 75,1% ± 14,35 y estancia 6,9 días ± 5,7; tos (68,3%), fiebre (38,0%) y cefalea (23,3%) signos/síntomas más frecuentes. El asma se asoció a la mortalidad (p=0,049). Conclusiones: El adulto mayor es una prioridad para los sistemas de salud pública; a mayor edad, masculino, que presente fiebre, tos y asma tendría mal pronóstico frente a la COVID-19.

Objetive:to determine the variables associated with mortality from COVID 19 in the older adult population. : observational study, 521 patients The studyaged 60 years and over with a clinical/laboratory diagnosis of COVID -19; variables included age, sex, priority of care, origin, comorbidities, stay, respiratory and heart rate, SO2, temperature and signs/symptoms. Findings: deaths, higher frequency in July (50.7%), 91.9% priority I/II, age 70.1 ± 7.5 years, male (71.0%), HR 103.7 ± 18.1 beats/min, RF 29.4 ± 6.4 breaths/min (p<0.001), SO2 75.1% ± 14.35 and stay 6.9 days ± 5.7; cough (68.3%), fever (38.0%) and headache (23.3%) most frequent signs/symptoms. Asthma was associated with mortality (p=0.049). The elderly is a priority for Conclusions:public health systems; older, male, with fever, cough and asthma have a poor prognosis against COVID-19.

Gait speed as a predictor of mortality in older men with cancer: A longitudinal study in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Given the increase in incidence and mortality from cancer in recent years in Latin America and Peru, it is necessary to identify frailty older adults at higher risk of disability, hospitalizations and mortality. However, its measure is complex and requires time. For this reason, it has been proposed that frailty can be evaluated by a single measure, as gait speed. We aimed to evaluate the role of gait speed as a predictor of mortality in older men with cancer in Peru. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was carried out that included military veterans (aged 60 years and older) with an oncological diagnosis evaluated at the Centro Médico Naval in Peru during the period 2013-2015. Slow gait speed was defined as <0.8 m/s. All-cause mortality was recorded during a 2-year follow-up. Sociodemographic characteristics, medical and personal history, and functional assessment measures were collected. We performed Cox regression analysis to calculate hazard ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: 922 older men were analyzed from 2013 to 2015, 56.9% (n = 525) of whom were >70 years of age. 41.3% (n = 381) had slow gait speed with a mortality incidence of 22.9% (n = 211) at the end of follow-up. The most frequent types of cancer in the participants who died were of the lung and airways (26.1%), liver and bile ducts (23.2%), and lymphomas and leukemias (16.6%). In the adjusted Cox regression analysis, we found that slow gait speed was a risk factor for mortality in older men with cancer (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.55; 95% confidence interval: 1.21-2.23). CONCLUSIONS: Slow gait speed was associated with an increased risk of mortality in older men with cancer. Gait speed could represent a simple, useful, inexpensive, rapidly applicable marker of frailty for the identification of older men at higher risk of mortality. Gait speed could be useful in low- and middle-income countries, and in rural areas with limited access to health services.

The depressed frail phenotype as a risk factor for mortality in older adults: A prospective cohort in Peru.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty and depression can coexist as depressed frail phenotype, useful for the comprehensive evaluation of older adults and prevention of adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the depressed frail phenotype and its components as risk factors for mortality in older adults of the Centro Médico Naval (CEMENA) of Peru during 2010-2015. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a secondary data analysis of a prospective cohort that included older adults (60 years and older) treated in the Geriatrics service of CEMENA between the years 2010-2015. Frailty was defined as the presence of three or more Fried phenotype criteria and depression was determined using a Yesavage ultrashort scale score of three or more. The presence of both conditions was defined as depressed frail phenotype. In addition, sociodemographic characteristics, medical and personal history, and performance-based measures were included. We employed crude and adjusted Cox regression models to evaluate the association of interest and estimate Hazard Ratios (HR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: 946 older adults were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 78.0 ± 8.5 years. 559 (59.1%) were male, 148 (15.6%) were found to be frail, 231 (24.4%) had depressive symptoms, 105 (11.1%) had depressed frail phenotype, and 79 (8.3%) participants died during follow-up. The adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that depressed frail phenotype (HR = 3.53; 95%CI: 2.07-6.00; p < 0.001) was a risk factor for mortality in older adults. CONCLUSIONS: The depressed frail phenotype was associated with a higher risk of mortality in older adults. It is necessary to develop longitudinal studies that allow estimating this phenotype's impact on mortality and evaluate interventions to improve quality of life and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.

Tamizaje en las personas mayores con dependencia de cuidados: clave en la estrategia para mitigar la pandemia por COVID-19 / Screening for care-dependent older people: a key element in the strategy to mitigate COVID-19 pandemic

RESUMEN En la pandemia por la COVID-19, las personas mayores son el grupo que concentra la mayor mortalidad, sobre todo quienes precisan de cuidados de largo plazo por haber perdido su habilidad funcional. Esta población vive en sus domicilios, con la familia o en un centro residencial. Se ha descrito que las personas mayores pueden desarrollar una forma de enfermedad oligosintomática o con una sintomatología clínica particular; por esta razón, las estrategias de tamizaje basadas en síntomas no son las más recomendables. Es necesario detectar de manera precoz a los enfermos en este grupo; por ello, analizamos y proponemos las mejores alternativas disponibles para conseguir este objetivo.

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemic, older people have been the group with the highest mortality rate, especially those who require long-term care for having lost their functional ability. These people are living at home with their family or in a nursing home. It has been described that older people may develop an oligosymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection or particular symptoms of the disease. Therefore, symptom-based screening is not the most recommended strategy in this scenario. Since it is necessary to detect early cases in the elderly population, this research work analyzes and proposes the best available alternatives for attaining such goal.