Physical Performance and Telomere Length in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: The aging population prompts studying risk factors and markers to predict healthy aging. Telomere length is a promising candidate for assessing various age-related traits. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the association between physical performance and telomere length. METHODS: We enrolled 323 older Mexican adults from the "Cohort of Obesity, Sarcopenia, and Frailty of Older Mexican Adults" affiliated with the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social and assessed their physical performance using the Short Physical Performance Battery, dividing participants into low (≤7) and high (>7) groups. Absolute telomere length was determined by qPCR, and individuals were classified into short (≤4.22 kb) and long (>4.22 kb) groups. We calculated the mean and adjusted mean, considering sex and age, among others, with 95% CI. We estimated the effect size between physical performance and telomere length using Cohen's d for unequal group sizes and calculated the odds ratio for physical performance based on telomere length. RESULTS: Participants with low physical performance had significantly shorter telomeres (mean 4.14.44.7 kb, adjusted mean 3.54.04.5 kb, p <0.001), while those with high physical performance exhibited longer telomeres (mean 5.55.75.9 kb, adjusted mean 4.75.35.8 kb, p <0.001), with a medium-to-high telomere length effect size (d = 0.762). The odds of low physical activity increased 2.13.66.1-fold per kb of telomere attrition (adjOR 1.73.36.3, p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Decreased physical function is associated with shorter telomere length. Absolute telomere length presents a promising biomarker for distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy aging, warranting further investigation.

Understanding the Personal Barriers of Elderly Patients for Carrying out Teleconsultations During COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study.

Introduction: The expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic may widen digital divides. It is essential to better understand the use of telehealth by the elderly population for the development of equitable telehealth tools. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the socioeconomic, clinical, and functional characteristics of elderly patients who were supported by a COVID-19 telehealth program. It also investigated the characteristics associated with the need for support for teleconsultations, hospitalization, and mortality. Methods: >Elderly patients supported by the TeleCOVID-MG program, between June 2020 and December 2021, in two Brazilian municipalities (Divinópolis and Teófilo Otoni) were included. Data were collected from electronic records and through phone call interviews. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed. Results: Among the 237 patients,121 were women (51.1%), mean age was 70.8 years (±8.5), 121 (51.1%) had less than 4 years of formal education, 123 patients (51.9%) had two or more comorbidities, and 68 (29%) reported functional decline in activities of daily life. Age greater than 80 years (odds ratio [OR]:4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.93-11.37, p = 0.001), lower educational level (OR:3.85, 95% CI 1.8-8.21, p < 0.001), hearing (OR:5.46, 95% CI: 1.24-11.27, p = 0.019), and visual (OR:15.10, 95% CI: 3.21-71.04, p = 0.001) impairments were characteristics associated with the need for support for teleconsultations. The need for support was associated with hospitalization and mortality (OR:5.08, 95% CI: 2.35-10.98, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Older age, lower educational level, and sensory impairments may compromise the effectiveness and the safety of the telehealth assistance to the elderly population. Functional evaluation and frailty screening should be considered part of the telehealth assessment of elderly patients.

Geriatric Assessment Scale for Optimal Management of Gastric Cancer in Older Adults Who Underwent Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Stomach cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer worldwide, especially in the population over 65 years. The survival rate of the elderly is lower in comparison with young people, and they are underrepresented in clinical trials and research in general. The evaluation of Multidimensional Geriatric Assessment (MGA) would be key for assessing the prognosis of these patients and therefore having a more informed decision-making process when considering one of the most vulnerable populations. METHODS: A search was performed in the OVID, Embase, and PubBMed databases. There was no restriction on publication time, language, or study design. Eligible studies were those that included geriatric patients with a diagnosis of nonmetastatic stomach cancer who receive oncospecific and surgical management, used Multidimensional/Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (MGA), and which outcomes included at least overall survival, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: Four studies were included, and the MGA battery was not implemented, but rather easily measurable scales such as nutritional status, functional status, cognitive and behavioral disorders, comorbidities, and polypharmacy. Some authors proposed that the assessment of overall survival is not explicit among the included studies; patients with gastric cancer and mild, moderate, severe, and total dependence had higher mortality than independent patients (39% [HR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.09-1.7], 68% [95% CI: 1.46-1.93], 187% [HR 2.87 95% CI: 2.47-3.34], and 234% [95% CI: 2.81-3.97]), respectively. The Zhou study showed an association between sarcopenia, assessed by imaging studies, and a longer hospital stay in days (16 [9] vs. 13 [6], p 0.004). The study by Pujara found that polypharmacy (OR 2.36 CI: 1.08-5.17) and weight loss greater than 10% in the past 6 months were associated with greater postoperative morbidity at 90 days (OR 2.36 CI: 1.08-5.17, OR 11.21 CI: 2.16-58.24). CONCLUSION: MGA was not broadly implemented. Geriatric assessment dependency appears to be a prognostic marker of survival in patients with gastric cancer. Sarcopenia appears to be an important prognostic marker for short- and long-term outcomes. Higher quality studies in this specific population are required to support the systematic use of this assessment for the choice of appropriate therapy according to the patient.

Geriatric Syndromes and Their Relationship with Mortality in a Population of Mexican Older Adults Aged 65 and Over, Admitted to the Emergency Department of a Second-Level Care Hospital.

The main objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between Geriatric Syndromes (GSs) and in-hospital mortality in adults aged 65 and older admitted to the Emergency Department (ED). The study included 202 Older Adults (OAs) who met the inclusion criteria. We conducted a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and collected clinical and demographic data. A univariate analysis was carried out for each of the GSs analyzed. Those variables with p < 0.05 were entered into a multiple logistic regression using the backward stepwise entry method to analyze the independent predictor variables. The average number of GSs per individual was 4.65 (±2.76). Frailty syndrome was the most prevalent (70.2% of patients). Our study found an association between mortality and some GSs, such as frailty (p = 0.042), risk of falls (p = 0.010), delirium, cognitive impairment, dependence, and risk of ulcers (p < 0.001). We found that cognitive impairment (adjusted OR, 6.88; 95% CI, 1.41-33.5; p = 0.017) and dependence (adjusted OR, 7.52; 95% CI, 1.95-29.98; p = 0.003) were independent predictors associated with mortality in our population. It is necessary to develop new care strategies in the ED that respond to the needs of aging societies, including the use of new technologies and personnel with experience in gerontology.

A rural teledentistry care experience: a geriatric approach to assessing oral health status and treatment needs in older adults from a Mapuche community in Chile.

Background: Limited attention has been given to oral health challenges faced by older Indigenous populations, especially in rural settings, where disparities exist. This study aims to assess oral health in a rural Mapuche community in southern Chile, utilizing geriatric technology support, and exploring the connection between geriatric health and oral well-being to fill a gap in this context. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 76 independent older adults from a rural Mapuche community who required dental care. Assessments were in a remote care setting gathering extensive data including comprehensive geriatric assessments, medical and dental conditions using a geriatric teledentistry platform (TEGO®). Statistical analysis involved descriptive analysis, logistic regression, and both multiple correspondence analysis and k-means cluster analysis. Results: The sample comprised individuals with limited formal education and a high degree of vulnerability. Geriatric assessments unveiled cognitive deterioration, frailty, depression risk, and multimorbidity. A distribution of the DMFT index, number of remaining teeth, number of occluding pairs, number of teeth with restorative needs and other relevant clinical findings was conducted based on sociodemographic, and medical-geriatric-dental characteristics, and additionally, a Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis of Dentition Variables in Relation to Geriatric Assessments was performed. The dental burden was substantial, with an average DMFT index of 25.96 (SD 4.38), high prevalence of non-functional dentition (89.3%), periodontal disease (83%), xerostomia (63.2%) and oral mucosal lesions (31.5%). Age, lower education, depression, daily medication number and sugary consumption frequency were associated with a decreased average number of teeth (p < 0.05). Multiple correspondence analysis and k-means cluster analysis identified 4 clusters, with the edentulous and functional dentition groups being the most distinct. Conclusion: This study uncovers a substantial dental burden and intricate medical-geriatric conditions interlinked among Indigenous older adults in a rural Chilean Mapuche community. The implementation of a geriatric technological ecosystem in the community enabled the resolution of less complex oral health issues and facilitated remote consultations with specialists, reducing the necessity for travel to health centers. This underscores the need for innovative dental public health initiatives to address health disparities and improve the overall well-being of older Indigenous adults.

Integrative geriatric assessment. A narrative review of the scales and their use in Ecuador

This study aims to describe the main tools for integrative geriatric assessment and their use in Ecuador. We performed a narrative review with a comprehensive and systematic literature search. 261 original articles were obtained from the primary search, and after the discrimination by the researchers, 76 articles were included in the final analysis. Integrative geriatric assessments cover different areas, including cognitive function, affective function, nutritional status and functionality, and seve-ral tools that are used worldwide for this purpose. In Ecuador, a deeper analysis of their use is required to evaluate their diagnostic efficacy and applicability to impro-ve health outcomes for the elderly population.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo describir las principales herramientas de evalua-ción integral geriátrica y su uso en el Ecuador. Realizamos una revisión narrativa con una búsqueda bibliográfica exhaustiva y sistemática. De la búsqueda primaria se obtuvieron 261 artículos originales, y luego de la discriminación por parte de los investigadores, se incluyeron 76 artículos en el análisis final. La evaluación ge-riátrica cubre diferentes áreas, incluida la función cognitiva, la función afectiva, el estado nutricional y la funcionalidad, y se utilizan varias herramientas en todo el mundo para este propósito. En Ecuador se requiere un análisis más profundo de su uso para evaluar su eficacia diagnóstica y aplicabilidad con el fin de mejorar los resultados de salud de la población adulta mayor.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte count as an alternative to body mass index for screening malnutrition in older adults living in the community.

PURPOSE: Accurate height and weight measurement can be challenging in older adults and complicates nutritional status assessment. Other parameters like the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the lymphocyte count (LC) could be an option to these measurements. We aimed to test these variables as subrogates of body mass index (BMI) or calf-circumference (CC) for malnutrition screening in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis from the Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento (SABE) survey from Ecuador (2009). Includes data on demographics, health-related factors, physical assessments, and complete blood count, allowing to calculate NLR and LC to be used as part of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), instead of the BMI. Consequently, 4 models were included: standard MNA, MNA-CC, MNA-NLR and MNA-LC. Finally, age, sex, and comorbidities were considered as confounding variables. RESULTS: In our analysis of 1,663 subjects, 50.81% were women. Positive correlations with standard MNA were found for MNA-NLR (Estimate = 0.654, p < 0.001) MNA-CC (Estimate = 0.875, p value < 0.001) and MNA-LC (Estimate = 0.679, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots showed the smallest bias in MNA-CC. Linear association models revealed varying associations between MNA variants and different parameters, being MNA-NLR strongly associated with all of them (e.g. Estimate = 0.014, p = 0.001 for albumin), except BMI. CONCLUSION: The newly proposed model classified a greater number of subjects at risk of malnutrition and fewer with normal nutrition compared to the standard MNA. Additionally, it demonstrated a strong correlation and concordance with the standard MNA. This suggests that hematological parameters may offer an accurate alternative and important insights into malnutrition.

Factors Associated with the Deterioration of Intrinsic Capacity among Older Adults in Mexico and Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Intrinsic capacity (IC) is defined as "all the physical and mental attributes possessed by the older person." This concept has gained momentum in recent years because it provides insights into the changes in the functional capacity of individuals during their life. This study examined common factors associated with IC decline among older adults in Mexico and Colombia. METHODS: This cross-sectional, correlational study included 348 community-dwelling older adults. Sociodemographic, clinical, and family conditions were assessed as possible associated factors, and IC was analyzed across five domains: cognitive, locomotor, psychological, vitality (malnutrition through deficiency and excess), and sensory (visual and auditory). Parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The common factors associated with impairment according to domain were family dysfunctionality (cognitive domain); myocardial infarction, family dysfunctionality, age >80 years, home occupation, and not having a partner (locomotor domain); dysfunctional family and risk of falls (psychological domain); age >80 years and not having a partner (malnutrition by deficiency domain); age 60-79 years, walking <7,500 steps/day, and peripheral vascular disease (malnutrition by excess domain); risk of falling and being female (visual sensory domain); risk of falling (auditory sensory domain); and dysfunctional family and risk of falling (total intrinsic capacity). CONCLUSION: Both populations had common sociodemographic, clinical, and familial factors that directly affected total IC stocks and their domains.

Greater muscle strength is associated with better hemodynamic parameters, physical, cognitive and kidney function in older nursing-home residents / Maior força muscular está associada a melhores parâmetros hemodinâmicos, função física, cognitiva e renal em idosos residentes em casas de repouso

Objective: To analyze hemodynamic parameters, kidney and cognitive function, and physical performance of institutionalized older adults with high- and low-strength. Method: Cross-sectional study. Twenty-one older adults (11 women, 10 men) participated in this study. Blood samples were collected for analysis of biochemical parameters. Cognitive function was evaluated using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), clock drawing test (CDT), and verbal fluency test, while physical performance was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and, blood pressure, heart rate, and Framingham Risk Score were evaluated. Result: Based on the median value, participants were divided into low-strength (81.63 ± 3.03 years) and high-strength (82.10 ± 2.11 years). The high-strength group showed significantly lower systolic (138.8 ± 3.6 vs. 116.5 ± 3.1; p<0.05), diastolic (84.9 ± 2.14 vs. 72.9 ± 2.2; p<0.05), mean blood pressure (102.2 ± 2.4 vs. 87.4 ± 2.4; p<0.05), and cardiovascular risk (39.7 ± 4.6 vs. 26.0 ± 3.5; p<0.05) than the low-strength group. In addition, the high-strength group had better HDL-c levels (27.4 ± 1.7 vs. 35.6 ± 3.4; p<0.05), higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (51.5 ± 4.9 vs. 86.2 ± 5.5; p<0.05), and lower creatinine (0.94 ± 0.1 vs 0.57 ± 0.1; p<0.05) than the low-strength group. For cognitive data (MMSE and CDT p<0.05) and physical performance (semi-tandem, tandem and walking speed p<0.05), the high-strength group had better scores compared to the low-strength group. Conclusion: Institutionalized older adults with high-strength has better hemodynamic parameters, physical performance, kidney and cognitive function than those with low-strength levels

Objetivo: Analisar os parâmetros hemodinâmicos, a função física, cognitiva e renal de idosos institucionalizados com alta e baixa força. Método: Estudo transversal. Vinte e um idosos (11 mulheres, 10 homens) participaram do estudo. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue para análise de parâmetros bioquímicos. A função cognitiva foi avaliada por meio do miniexame do estado mental (MEEM), do teste de desenho do relógio (TDR) e do teste de fluência verbal, enquanto o desempenho físico foi avaliado por meio da Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) e foram aferidas a pressão arterial, a frequência cardíaca e o escore de risco de Framingham. Resultado: Com base no valor da mediana, os participantes foram divididos em baixa força (81,63 ± 3,03 anos) e alta força (82,10 ± 2,11 anos). O grupo de alta força apresentou pressão arterial sistólica (138,8 ± 3,6 vs. 116,5 ± 3,1; p<0,05), diastólica (84,9 ± 2,14 vs. 72,9 ± 2,2; p<0,05), média (102,2 ± 2,4 vs. 87,4 ± 2,4; p<0,05) e risco cardiovascular (39,7 ± 4,6 vs. 26,0 ± 3,5; p<0,05) significativamente menores do que o grupo de baixa força. Além disso, o grupo de alta força apresentou melhores níveis de HDL-c (27,4 ± 1,7 vs. 35,6 ± 3,4; p<0,05), maior taxa de filtração glomerular estimada (51,5 ± 4,9 vs. 86,2 ± 5,5; p<0,05) e menor creatinina (0,94 ± 0,1 vs. 0,57 ± 0,1; p<0,05) do que o grupo de baixa força. Em relação aos dados cognitivos (MEEM e TDR, p<0,05) e ao desempenho físico (semi-tandem, tandem e velocidade de caminhada, p<0,05), o grupo de alta força apresentou melhores escores em comparação com o grupo de baixa força. Conclusão: Os idosos institucionalizados com altos níveis de força têm melhores parâmetros hemodinâmicos, desempenho físico, função renal e cognitiva do que aqueles com baixos níveis de força.PALAVRAS-CHAVEAvaliação GeriátricaCardiovascularDesempenho CognitivoFunção RenalForça Muscular

Update on the management of older patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a perspective from medical oncology.

In the context of pancreatic cancer, surgical intervention is typically recommended for localized tumours, whereas chemotherapy is the preferred approach in the advanced and/or metastatic setting. However, pancreatic cancer is closely linked to ageing, with an average diagnosis at 72 years. Paradoxically, despite its increased occurrence among older individuals, this population is often underrepresented in clinical studies, complicating the decision-making process. Age alone should not determine the therapeutic strategy but, given the high comorbidity and mortality of this disease, a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is necessary to define the best treatment, prevent toxicity, and optimize older patient care. In this review, a group of experts from the Oncogeriatrics Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica, SEOM), the Spanish Cooperative Group for the Treatment of Digestive Tumours (Grupo Español de Tratamiento de los Tumores Digestivos, TTD), and the Multidisciplinary Spanish Group of Digestive Cancer (Grupo Español Multidisciplinar en Cáncer Digestivo, GEMCAD) have assessed the available scientific evidence and propose a series of recommendations on the management and treatment of the older population with pancreatic cancer.

Evaluación de la prueba G8 como tamizaje para valoración geriátrica integral en pacientes adultos mayores con cáncer / Evaluation of the G-8 test as a screening tool for comprehensive geriatric assessment in elderly patients with cancer

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la sensibilidad y especificidad del test G8 en el tamizaje de adultos mayores con cáncer para la realización de la valoración geriátrica integral (VGI). Materiales y métodos: el presente estudio observacional y retrospectivo se realizó en el Servicio de Geriatría del Hospital Almenara de Lima, Perú. Se revisaron los informes de VGI en las historias clínicas electrónicos de adultos mayores (> 60 años) con cáncer, ambulatorios y hospitalizados, durante noviembre de 2022 y julio de 2023. Los pacientes se clasificaron según los criterios SIOG-1 (Sociedad Internacional de Oncología Geriátrica), formando dos grupos: pacientes aptos y pacientes no aptos o unfit (vulnerables + frágiles + muy enfermos). Del test G8 se estimó la sensibilidad, especificidad y valor predictivo positivo, área bajo la curva característica operativa del receptor (AUC). Resultados: ingresaron al estudio 201 pacientes, 91 mujeres (45,3%) y 110 (54,7%) varones, la media de la edad fue de 76,2 ± 7,4 años. Las neoplasias más frecuentes fueron colorrectal, estómago, próstata y vías biliares. La prevalencia de pacientes aptos y no aptos (unfit) fue del 23,4 y 76,6%, respectivamente. Cuando el puntaje de la prueba G8 fue ≤11, la sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y AUC fueron 73,4% (intervalo de confianza al 95%: 65,7-80,2%), 91,5% (79,6%-97,6%), 96,6% (91,7-98,6%) y 89% (84-93%), respectivamente. Conclusiones: el test G8 con puntaje ≤11 tendría una alta sensibilidad y especificidad, para identificar adultos con cáncer vulnerables o frágiles, que podrían beneficiarse de la VGI.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate sensitivity and specificity of the G8 test in screening older adults with cancer who may benefit from a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA). Material and methods: This observational retrospective study was carried out in the Geriatrics Service of the Guillermo Almenara Hospital in Lima, Peru. CGA reports were reviewed in the electronic medical records of older adults (> 60 years) with cancer, both outpatients and inpatients, between November 2022 and July 2023. Patients were classified according to the SIOG-1 (International Society of Geriatric Oncology) criteria into two groups: fit and non-fit patients (vulnerable + frail + too sick). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), were estimated for the G8 test. Results: 201 patients entered the study, 91 women (45.3%) and 110 (54.7%) men; their mean age was 76.2 ± 7.4 years. The most frequent neoplasms were colorectal, stomach, prostate, and bile ducts. The prevalence of eligible and unfit patients was 23.4% and 76.6%, respectively. When the G8 test score was ≤11, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and AUC were 73.4% (95% Confidence Interval: 65.7- 80.2%), 91.5% (79.6%-97.6%), 96.6% (91.7-98.6%), and 89% (84-93%), respectively. Conclusions: The G8 test with a score ≤11 would have high sensitivity and specificity for identifying vulnerable or frail patients with cancer who could benefit from the CGA.

Prevalência e fatores associados à fragilidade em pessoas idosas hipertensas por meio da Escala de Fragilidade de Edmonton e Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico Funcional-20 / Prevalence and factors associated with frailty in older adults with hypertension using the Edmonton Frail Scale and the Clinical Functional Vulnerability Index-20

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência de fragilidade e comparar as variáveis associadas a essa fragilidade em pessoas idosas hipertensas comunitárias brasileiras por meio da Escala de Fragilidade de Edmonton (EFE) e o Índice de Vulnerabilidade Clínico-Funcional-20 (IVCF-20). Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal e analítico, conduzido com pessoas idosas hipertensas comunitárias com idade ≥60 anos, residentes na cidade de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A seleção da amostra seguiu o modelo probabilístico por conglomerado. Os dados foram coletados entre novembro de 2016 e fevereiro de 2017 por meio de aplicação de questionário em domicílio. Foram analisadas variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e clínico-assistenciais. Utilizou-se a regressão de Poisson com variância robusta para obter as razões de prevalência brutas e ajustadas. Resultados Participaram 281 pessoas idosas hipertensas. A prevalência geral de fragilidade pela EFE foi de 31,3% e pelo IVCF-20 foi de 22,1%. As variáveis, que após a análise múltipla, foram estatisticamente associadas à fragilidade em idosos hipertensos, pela EFE e IVCF-20 simultaneamente, foram: idade avançada (80 anos ou mais), apresentar como comorbidade artrite reumatoide/artrose, acidente vascular encefálico, autopercepção de saúde negativa, quedas e internações nos últimos 12 meses. Apenas pela EFE, menos de 4 anos de estudo, não ter prática religiosa e não possuir renda própria foram as variáveis associadas. Enquanto pelo IVCF-20, somente a renda familiar mensal associou-se à fragilidade. Conclusão Verificou-se que a fragilidade avaliada pela EFE e pelo IVCF-20 possui similaridade, no entanto, a EFE é mais sensível. Esses resultados demonstram a necessidade dos profissionais da saúde identifiquem precocemente a fragilidade.

Abstract Objective To assess the prevalence of frailty and compare the variables associated with frailty in Brazilian community-dwelling older adults with hypertension using the Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) and the Clinical Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20). Methods This is a cross-sectional analytical study conducted with community-dwelling older adults with hypertension aged ≥60 years residing in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sample selection followed a probabilistic cluster sampling model. Data were collected between November 2016 and February 2017 through in-home questionnaire administration. Demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical-care variables were analyzed. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to obtain crude and adjusted prevalence ratios. Results A total of 281 older adults with hypertension participated in the study. The overall prevalence of frailty as assessed by the EFS was 31.3%, and by the IVCF-20 was 22.1%. Variables that were statistically associated with frailty in older adults with hypertension, as determined by both the EFS and IVCF-20 simultaneously, were: advanced age (80 years or older), comorbidities such as rheumatoid arthritis/osteoarthritis, stroke, negative self-perception of health, falls, and hospitalizations in the last 12 months. Only by the EFS, variables associated with frailty included less than 4 years of education, absence of religious practice, and lack of personal income. Meanwhile, according to the IVCF-20, only monthly family income was associated with frailty. Conclusion It was found that frailty assessed by EFS and IVCF-20 exhibits similarity; however, EFS is more sensitive. These findings underscore the imperative for healthcare professionals to early identify frailty.

Avaliação da mortalidade associada ao status tireoidiano em uma coorte de pessoas idosas eutireoidianas de ambulatório de geriatria em hospital universitário / Assessment of mortality associated with thyroid status in a cohort of euthyroid older adults from a geriatric outpatient clinic at a university hospital

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar associações entre a média da tireotropina (TSH) e tiroxina livre (T4L) mantida durante follow-up, e mortalidade em pacientes idosos eutireoidianos definidos de acordo com a faixa de referência específica para a idade (FR-e) do TSH. Método Coorte retrospectiva tipo análise de sobrevivência incluindo pacientes idosos eutireoidianos acompanhados no ambulatório de hospital universitário entre 2010 e 2013. Todos os participantes haviam sido avaliados quanto ao risco de incapacidade funcional como critério para admissão nesse ambulatório. As médias dos valores de TSH e T4L foram calculadas através das dosagens obtidas no período de acompanhamento. Cada FR-e de TSH foi dividida em quatro partes iguais, considerando níveis mais baixos como variável de exposição (≤1,75 mUI/L para <80 e ≤2,0 mUI/L para ≥80 anos). Os níveis de T4L foram dicotomizados em duas categorias (< e ≥1,37 ng/dL). O desfecho foi o tempo até a morte. A regressão de risco proporcional de Cox foi empregada para estimar a hazard ratio (HR) e o intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95% Resultados 285 participantes (73% mulheres, idade média =80,4 anos) seguidos pela mediana de 5,7 anos (IQR =3,7-6,4; máximo =7), sendo que 114 faleceram. Após o modelo final ajustado, a mortalidade esteve associada ao TSH no limite inferior (HR=1,7; IC=1,1-2,7; p=0,016) e ao T4L mais elevado. (HR=2,0; IC=1,0-3,8; p=0,052). Conclusão Níveis médios de T4L mais altos e de TSH mais baixos foram associados ao risco de morte em coorte de idosos eutireoidianos usando FR-e de TSH.

Abstract Objective To assess the associations between the mean thyrotropin (TSH) and mean free thyroxine (FT4), detected during follow-up, and mortality in a group of older euthyroid patients according to age-specific reference range (as-RR) for TSH. Method Retrospective survival analysis cohort including euthyroid elderly patients who were being monitored at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital from 2010 to 2013. All participants had been assessed for the risk of functional disability as a criterion for admission to this outpatient clinic. Mean TSH and FT4 values were calculated using hormone dosages obtained during the follow-up period. Each as-RR for TSH was divided into four equal parts, considering the lower levels as the main exposure variable (≤1.75 mlU/L for <80, and ≤2.0 mlU/L for ≥80 years). FT4 levels were explored according to two categories (< e ≥1.37 ng/dL). The outcome was time to death. We used Cox proportional hazard regression to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results 285 participants (73% females, mean age =80.4 years) followed by a median of 5.7 years (IQR =3.7-6.4; maximum =7), of which 114 died. After the adjusted final model, mortality was associated with the lowest mean TSH (HR=1.7; CI=1.1-2.7; p=0.016) and with the upper mean of FT4 (HR=2.0; CI=1.0-3.8; p=0.052). Conclusions Higher FT4 and lower TSH mean levels were associated with risk of death in a cohort of euthyroid older adults using an as-RR of TSH.

Aplicação das regras de vinculação da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde com a Avaliação Geriátrica Ampla / Linking the content of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment of a reference center for the health of the elderly with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

Objetivo: Vincular o conteúdo da Avaliação Geriátrica Ampla (AGA) de um centro de referência na saúde da pessoa idosa com a Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) e apresentar seu Conjunto Básico de categorias da CIF. Método: A AGA foi vinculada à CIF por dois especialistas, treinados de acordo com as regras de vinculação estabelecidas. A concordância entre os especialistas foi determinada com base no índice kappa de Cohen. Resultados: A concordância entre os especialistas foi considerada perfeita para cada domínio da CIF (k= 0,91; p<0,00; concordância= 93,32%). A AGA continha 419 itens, sendo que 106 não puderam ser vinculados à CIF, por estarem associados a condições de saúde ou não se enquadrarem nas categorias da CIF. Foi verificado que 313 estavam ligados aos domínios da CIF e que 181 (60,13%) estavam relacionados às funções do corpo, 18 (5,98%) às estruturas do corpo, 73 (24,258%) à atividade e participação, 30 (9,97%) a fatores ambientais e 11 (3,51%) aos fatores pessoais. Conclusões: A CIF pode ser inserida em contextos específicos dos serviços de saúde sendo viável a vinculação da CIF com formulários elaborados pelos próprios serviços de saúde. A correspondência entre um instrumento de avaliação geriátrico e a CIF potencializa discussões de casos, planos terapêuticos e cuidado continuado. A dinâmica do processo de cuidado padronizado pela CIF pode facilitar a ampliação do cuidado e estabelecimento de metas terapêuticas que ultrapassem o contexto do serviço e alcancem a esfera familiar e social.

Objective: Linking the content of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) of a reference center for the health of the elderly with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and present its Basic Set of ICF codes. Method: The AGA were linked to the ICF by two specialists, trained according to the established linking rules. Agreement between the health professionals was determined based on Cohen's kappa index. Results: The agreement between the two health professionals was considered perfect for each ICF domain (k= 0.91; p<0.00; agreement= 93.32%). The AGA contained 419 items, 106 of which could not be linked to the ICF, as they were associated with health conditions or did not fit into any category. It was found that 313 were linked to the ICF domains and that 181 (60.13%) were related to body functions, 18 (5.98%) to body structures, 73 (24.258%) to activity and participation, 30 (9.97%) to environmental factors and 11 (3.51%) to personal factors. Conclusions: The ICF can be inserted in specific contexts of health services, making it feasible to link the ICF with forms prepared by the health services themselves. The correspondence between a geriatric assessment instrument and the ICF enhances case discussions, therapeutic plans and continued care. The dynamics of the care process standardized by the ICF can facilitate the expansion of care and the establishment of therapeutic goals that go beyond the context of the service and reach the family and social sphere.

Oral health and self-rated health in community-dwelling older adults in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between oral health and specific health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or cognitive impairment, has been extensively studied. However, the effect of oral health status on self-rated health has not been assessed. This could be relevant in older people considering that poor self-rated health status and oral diseases are highly prevalent in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the association between different parameters of oral health and self-rated health status (SRHS) in Colombian community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the SABE-Colombia study performed in 2015. The dependent variable was defined as the SRHS status assessed by the question "Compared with other people, your age: Do you consider your health status to be better, equal, or worse?" We considered four independent variables: total edentulism considering the high prevalence in older people, the GOHAI score to assess self-rated oral health, and the use of fixed and removable dental prostheses as potential modifiers of oral health. An adjusted ordinal logistic regression was performed by each independent variable. RESULTS: After the exclusion of missing data, 17,945 persons were included in the final analysis. A total of 10.6% reported worse SRHS, 37.6% reported equal SRHS, and 51.6% reported better SRHS. The worse SRHS group was older and had a higher proportion of dependence, cognitive impairment, and depressive symptoms. The frequency of total edentulism and the lower mean score of GOHAI were significant in the worse SHRS group. An ordinal logistic regression for each independent variable was performed, finding that edentulism increases the probability of worse SHRS, while the GOHAI and use of removable or fixed dental prostheses increase the probability of better SRHS. CONCLUSION: We found an association between total edentulism, GOHAI Index, the use of dental prostheses (both removable and fixed), and self-rated health status, showing the relevance of oral health status to self-rated health status independent of comorbidities and geriatric syndromes. This result supports the inclusion of oral health evaluation in comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Factors associated with the evaluation of geriatric assessment (GA) domains by oncology specialists in Mexico.

The use of geriatric assessment (GA) by oncology specialists in Mexico is low. We aimed to explore factors associated with the evaluation of individual GA domains by Mexican oncology specialists. We performed an exploratory analysis of a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study consisting of an online cross-sectional survey of Mexican oncology specialists and follow-up interviews on the use of GA in cancer care. For each GA domain, we performed multivariable logistic regression analyses with the frequency of evaluation of the domains as the dependent variable (dichotomised as never/rarely/sometimes versus most of the time/always). A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Qualitative data from the interviews were analysed inductively. Of 196 respondents, 62% were male, 50% were surgical oncologists, 51% took care of >10 patients per day and 61.7% had access to a geriatrician. Self-perceived confidence in managing common geriatric conditions was associated with the evaluation of specific GA domains. For instance, self-perceived confidence in managing dementia (OR 2.72; 95% CI 1.42-5.51, p = 0.008) was associated with cognition evaluation, while for evaluation of falls, self-perceived confidence in evaluation of falls (OR 6.31; 95% CI 3.19-12.46, p < 0.001) was significantly associated. Follow-up interviews showed quality and appropriateness of evaluations may not be ideal: in many cases, physicians do not use guideline-recommended tools. For example, evaluation of cognition is commonly performed through non-validated methods which may miss the detection of patients with an impairment in this domain, partly due to limitations in knowledge and time to use recommended tools. In conclusion, self-perceived confidence in evaluating and managing common situations in older adults was associated with the evaluation of GA domains as part of everyday practice in a sample of oncology specialists in Mexico. This analysis supports the use of educational interventions to boost knowledge and confidence regarding the proper use of validated GA tools among oncology specialists.

Ten years of a geriatric oncology service at a public university cancer centre in Brazil.

The implementation of a geriatric oncology service is challenging in both high-income and low-and-middle-income countries. The Octavio Frias de Oliveira Institute of Cancer of Sao Paulo (ICESP) is a tertiary healthcare complex of the Clinics Hospital of the University of Sao Paulo Medical School and is considered a model of excellence in oncology in Latin America. The objective of this manuscript is to describe 10 years of the geriatric oncology service at ICESP and the challenges for its implementation. We performed a narrative description of the ICESP's geriatric oncology service and a general retrospective descriptive analysis of data collected from routine structured medical records of patients referred to the service from 2011 to 2021. This article highlights the different settings in which the service operates (outpatient, pre-operative and hospital follow-up). In this period, 1,700 patients were assessed for preoperative evaluation (median age 83.9, SD 4.95), 468 patients were evaluated for therapeutic decision (median age 79.4, SD 7.38), 968 in general geriatric oncology care outpatient clinics from 2012 to 2021 (median age 78.7, SD 7.91) and 1,391 inpatient evaluations. In the past 10 years, our geriatric oncology team has grown exponentially and changed its characteristics in order to adjust them to the hospital demands, raising awareness among the oncology teams about the benefit of using geriatric assessment and promoting multidisciplinary discussions.

Frailty but not low muscle quality nor sarcopenia is independently associated with mortality among previously hospitalized older adults: A prospective study.

AIM: There are few studies comparing the effects of geriatric syndromes and abnormalities in nutritional status and body composition on outcomes among older individuals who have been previously hospitalized. Our study aimed to evaluate the frequency and diagnosis of geriatric syndromes, low muscle quality, and nutritional status in hospitalized older individuals, and to examine their impact on both short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS: This was a prospective study involving older adults (≥60 years). We assessed nutritional status, muscle quality, sarcopenia, and frailty. The outcomes were functional dependence, length of hospital stay, transfer to the Intensive Care Unit, number of readmissions, and mortality. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors. RESULTS: Even after adjustment for age and sex, increased risk of death was associated with possible undernourishment, sarcopenia, low muscle quality, and frailty (P < 0.05), but not the length of hospital stay (P > 0.05). Our multivariate analysis showed that frailty was independently associated with mortality and functional dependence. Low muscle quality was independently associated with functional dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric syndromes, abnormalities in body composition, and the overall nutritional status of older patients are important risk factors for adverse outcomes, including functional dependence and mortality. These findings emphasize the need for interventions to improve muscle quality, prevent and treat malnutrition and sarcopenia, and address frailty in hospitalized patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2023; 23: 736-743.

Instrumentos de avaliação multidimensional aplicados ao cuidado de enfermagemda pessoa idosa hospitalizada / Multidimensional assessment instruments applied to nursing care for hospitalized elderly people

Objetivo: descrever os aspectos da avaliação multidimensional no cuidado de enfermagem para a pessoa idosa hospitalizada. Método: revisão integrativa, desenvolvida em seis etapas. Resultados: 55 artigos compuseram o corpus de análise, todos em inglês; sendo predominante: publicações na revista Biomedcentral Geriatrics (n=11); pesquisas realizadas em hospital (n=35); método quantitativo (n=31). Emergiram três conceitos de avaliação multidimensional (n=14): Avaliação Geriátrica, Avaliação Geriátrica Abrangente e Avaliação Multidimensional; e diversas escalas alinhadas a cuidados de enfermagem, destacando-se: avaliação da independência funcional (n=31); avaliação cognitiva (n=22); avaliação nutricional (n=16); fragilidade (n=13); aspectos psicossociais (n=11); comorbidade (n=8); delirium (n=6); riscos (n=3); medicamentos (n=2); anestesiologia (n=2); dor (n=2); lesão por pressão (n=2) e temáticas especificas. Conclusão: a avaliação multidimensional da pessoa idosa é estratégia para qualificação do cuidado e integralidade da assistência, podendo utilizar diversas escalas como ferramentas de avaliação clínica.(AU)

Objective: to describe the aspects of multidimensional assessment in nursing care for hospitalized elderly people. Method: integrative review, developed in six stages. Results: 55 articles made up the corpus of analysis, all in English; predominantly: publications in the journal Biomedcentral Geriatrics (n=11); research carried out in hospital (n=35); quantitative method (n=31). Three concepts of multidimensional assessment emerged (n=14): Geriatric Assessment, Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment and Multidimensional Assessment; and several scales aligned with nursing care, highlighting: assessment of functional independence (n=31); cognitive assessment (n=22); nutritional assessment (n=16); frailty (n=13); psychosocial aspects (n=11); comorbidity (n=8); delirium (n=6); risks (n=3); medications (n=2); anesthesiology (n=2); pain (n=2); pressure injury (n=2) and specific themes. Conclusion: Multidimensional assessment of the elderly is a strategy for improving care and providing comprehensive assistance, and various scales can be used as clinical assessment tools.(AU)

Objetivo: describir los aspectos de la evaluación multidimensional en los cuidados de enfermería a ancianos hospitalizados. Método: revisión integradora, desarrollada en seis etapas. Resultados: 55 artículos constituyeron el corpus de análisis, todos en inglés; predominaron: publicaciones en la revista Biomedcentral Geriatrics (n=11); investigación realizada en hospital (n=35); método cuantitativo (n=31). Surgieron tres conceptos de evaluación multidimensional (n=14): Valoración Geriátrica, Valoración Geriátrica Integral y Valoración Multidimensional; y varias escalas alineadas con los cuidados de enfermería, destacando: valoración de la independencia funcional (n=31); valoración cognitiva (n=22); valoración nutricional (n=16); fragilidad (n=13); aspectos psicosociales (n=11); comorbilidad (n=8); delirium (n=6); riesgos (n=3); medicación (n=2); anestesiología (n=2); dolor (n=2); lesiones por presión (n=2) y temas específicos. Conclusión: La evaluación multidimensional del anciano es una estrategia para cualificar los cuidados y proporcionar una asistencia integral, y varias escalas pueden utilizarse como instrumentos de evaluación clínica.(AU)

Expert consensus to optimize the management of older adult patients with advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer (LC) is associated with ageing, with the average age of affected individuals being approximately 70 years. However, despite a higher incidence and prevalence among older people, the older adult population is underrepresented in clinical trials. For LC with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations, there is no clear association of this mutation with age. Geriatric assessments (GAs) and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for defining the optimal treatment. In this consensus, a group of experts selected from the Oncogeriatrics Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (Sección de Oncogeriatría de la Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica-SEOM), the Spanish Lung Cancer Group (Grupo Español de Cáncer de Pulmón-GECP) and the Association for Research on Lung Cancer in Women (Asociación para la Investigación del Cáncer de Pulmón en Mujeres-ICAPEM) evaluate the scientific evidence currently available and propose a series of recommendations to optimize the management of older adult patients with advanced LC with EGFR mutations.