Adverse Health Effects of Frailty: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Implications for Evidence-Based Practice

The adverse inpatient medication event and frailty (AIME-frail) risk prediction model

BACKGROUND

Medication harm affects between 5 and 15% of hospitalised patients, with approximately half of the harm events considered preventable through timely intervention. The Adverse Inpatient Medication Event (AIME) risk prediction model was previously developed to guide a systematic approach to patient prioritisation for targeted clinician review, but frailty was not tested as a candidate predictor variable.

AIM

To evaluate the predictive performance of an updated AIME model, incorporating a measure of frailty, when applied to a new multisite cohort of hospitalised adult inpatients.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary Australian hospitals on patients discharged between 1st January and April 31, 2020. Data were extracted from electronic medical records (EMRs) and clinical coding databases. Medication harm was identified using ICD-10 Y-codes and confirmed by senior pharmacist review of medical records. The Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) was calculated for each patient. Logistic regression analysis was used to construct a modified AIME model. Candidate variables of the original AIME model, together with new variables including HFRS were tested. Performance of the final model was reported using area under the curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA).

RESULTS

A total of 4089 patient admissions were included, with a mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of 64 years (±19 years), 2050 patients (50%) were males, and mean HFRS was 6.2 (±5.9). 184 patients (4.5%) experienced one or more medication harm events during hospitalisation. The new AIME-Frail risk model incorporated 5 of the original variables: length of stay (LOS), anti-psychotics, antiarrhythmics, immunosuppressants, and INR greater than 3, as well as 5 new variables: HFRS, anticoagulants, antibiotics, insulin, and opioid use. The AUC was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76-0.83) which was superior to the original model (AUC = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.65-0.74) with a sensitivity of 69%, specificity of 81%, positive predictive value of 0.14 (95% CI: 0.10-0.17) and negative predictive value of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99). The DCA identified the model as having potential clinical utility between the probability thresholds of 0.05-0.4.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of a frailty measure improved the predictive performance of the AIME model. Screening inpatients using the AIME-Frail tool could identify more patients at high-risk of medication harm who warrant timely clinician review.

Frailty as an Effect Modifier in Randomized Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The effect of clinical interventions may vary by patients' frailty status. Understanding treatment effect heterogeneity by frailty could lead to frailty-guided treatment strategies and reduce overtreatment and undertreatment. This systematic review aimed to examine the effect modification by frailty in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluate pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and multicomponent interventions.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrial.gov, from their inception to 8 December 2023. Two reviewers independently extracted trial data and examined the study quality with senior authors.

RESULTS

Sixty-one RCTs that evaluated the interaction between frailty and treatment effects in older adults were included. Frailty was evaluated using different tools such as the deficit accumulation frailty index, frailty phenotype, and other methods. The effect of several pharmacological interventions (e.g., edoxaban, sacubitril/valsartan, prasugrel, and chemotherapy) varied according to the degree of frailty, whereas other treatments (e.g., antihypertensives, vaccinations, osteoporosis medications, and androgen medications) demonstrated consistent benefits across different frailty levels. Some non-pharmacological interventions had greater benefits in patients with higher (e.g., chair yoga, functional walking, physical rehabilitation, and higher dose exercise program) or lower (e.g., intensive lifestyle intervention, psychosocial intervention) levels of frailty, while others (e.g., resistance-type exercise training, moderate-intensive physical activity, walking and nutrition or walking) produced similar intervention effects. Specific combined interventions (e.g., hospital-based disease management programs) demonstrated inconsistent effects across different frailty levels.

DISCUSSION

The efficacy of clinical interventions often varied by frailty levels, suggesting that frailty is an important factor to consider in recommending clinical interventions in older adults.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number CRD42021283051.

Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome as a Predictor of Adverse Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a newly proposed pre-dementia syndrome characterized by subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) and slow gait (SG). Increasing evidence links MCR to several adverse health outcomes, but the specific relationship between MCR and the risk of frailty, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia (VaD) remains unclear. Additionally, literature lacks analysis of MCR's components and associated health outcomes, complicating risk identification. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of MCR's predictive value for adverse health outcomes.

METHODS

Relevant cross-sectional, cohort, and longitudinal studies examining the association between MCR and adverse health outcomes were extracted from ten electronic databases. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and modified NOS were used to assess the risk of bias in studies included in the analysis. Relative ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled for outcomes associated with MCR.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight longitudinal or cohort studies and four cross-sectional studies with 1,224,569 participants were included in the final analysis. The risk of bias in all included studies was rated as low or moderate. Pooled analysis of RR indicated that MCR had a greater probability of increased the risk of dementia (adjusted RR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.94-2.11), cognitive impairment (adjusted RR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.49-1.99), falls (adjusted RR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.17-1.50), mortality (adjusted RR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.32-2.10), and hospitalization (adjusted RR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.16-1.84); MCR had more prominent predictive efficacy for AD (adjusted RR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.81-2.76) compared to VaD (adjusted RR = 3.78; 95% CI = 0.49-28.95), while excluding analyses from the study that utilized the timed-up-and-go test and one-leg-standing to evaluate gait speed. One study examined the association between MCR and disability (hazard ratios [HR] = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.08-2.02) and frailty (OR = 5.53; 95% CI = 1.46-20.89). SG was a stronger predictor of the risk for dementia and falls than SCC (adjusted RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.11-1.34 vs. adjusted RR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.03-1.38).

CONCLUSION

MCR increases the risk of developing any discussed adverse health outcomes, and the predictive value for AD is superior to VaD. Additionally, SG is a stronger predictor of dementia and falls than SCC. Therefore, MCR should be routinely assessed among adults to prevent poor prognosis and provide evidence to support future targeted interventions.

Impact of frailty on adverse outcomes in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoing surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the prognostic role of frailty in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by conducting this systematic review and meta-analysis METHODS: We conducted an extensive literature search on PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Embase databases to identify studies that reported the association of frailty with postoperative complications, reintervention, or all-cause mortality in patients with AAA after surgery. Short-term mortality was defined by a combination of in-hospital and 30-day death.

RESULTS

Seven cohort studies reporting on 9 articles with 323,788 AAA patients were included. The reported prevalence of frailty in AAA patients ranged between 2.3% and 34.6%. Pooling the results revealed that frailty was significantly associated with a higher risk of short-term all-cause mortality (adjusted risk ratios [RR] 3.20; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.95-5.26), long-term all-cause mortality (adjusted RR 2.86; 95% CI 2.57-3.17), and postoperative complications (adjusted RR 2.19; 95% CI 1.50-3.20) compared to non-frail individuals. However, there was no clear association between frailty and reintervention (HR 1.44; 95% CI 0.97-2.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty independently predicts the short and long-term survival as well as postoperative complications in patients with AAA undergoing surgery. Assessing frail status may potentially enhance surgical decision-making for these patients.

The Association Between Multidimensional Frailty and Poor Venous Accesses in a Geriatric Population: A Retrospective Study

Since the association between frailty and difficulty in finding venous access (VA) is largely unexplored and unclear in geriatrics, the aim of this study is to demonstrate how multidimensional frailty is associated with bad VA in a population of older hospitalized people. Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI), based on eight different domains usually assessed in comprehensive geriatric assessment, was used for identifying multidimensional frailty; VA heritage was investigated using a questionnaire prepared by a trained nurse, based on clinical experience. Overall, 145 patients were included (mean age 78.6 ± 7.6; males 51.0%). Frailer people, identified as an MPI >0.66 (MPI 3), had a significantly higher presence of bad VA (49.0% vs. 27.3% in MPI 3 and MPI 1 groups, p = 0.045), no success at first attempt (49.0% vs. 22.7% in MPI 3 and MPI 1 groups, p = 0.03), reported more frequently pain during VA attempts (63.3% in MPI 3 vs. 27.3 in MPI 1, p = 0.002), and significantly higher scores in the Numeric Rating Scale compared to their robust counterparts. Taking robust participants in MPI 1 as reference, after adjusting for potential confounders, frailer people (MPI 3) were at increased odds of bad VA (odds ratio [OR] = 2.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-6.41; p = 0.02), not success at first attempt (OR = 3.67; 95% CI: 1.09-12.57; p = 0.04), and presence of pain during VA attempt (OR = 4.26; 95% CI: 1.30-13.92; p = 0.02). In conclusion, our study demonstrated an association between multidimensional frailty and bad VA in a population of older hospitalized people.

The measurement properties and feasibility of FRAIL scale in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Frailty is a prevalent condition amongst older adults, significantly affecting their quality of life. The FRAIL tool has been purposefully designed for clinical application by assisting healthcare professionals in identifying and managing frailty-related issues in older adults, making it a preferred choice for assessing frailty across diverse older populations. This review aimed to synthesize the measurement properties and feasibility of FRAIL. Guided by COSMIN guidelines, seven databases were searched from inception to 31 Mar 2023. The measurement properties were extracted for quality appraisal of the populations in the studied samples. Where possible, random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were used for quantitative synthesis. Eighteen articles containing 273 tests were drawn from 14 different populations. We found that populations testing for criterion validity had high-quality ratings, while construct validity ratings varied based on health status and geographical region. Test-retest reliability had sufficient quality ratings, while scale agreement had sufficient ratings in only four out of 14 populations tested. Responsiveness ratings were insufficient in seven out of eight populations, with inconsistent ratings in one population. Our analysis of missing data across three articles showed a 16.3% rate, indicating good feasibility of the FRAIL. FRAIL is a feasible tool for assessing frailty of older adults in community settings, with good criterion validity and test-retest reliability. However, more research is needed on construct validity and responsiveness.

Effectiveness of a multicomponent exercise intervention in community-dwelling older Chinese people with cognitive frailty: protocol for a mixed-methods research

Aims

To evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent exercise intervention and to clarify the underlying mechanisms of the program in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty. Additionally, the perception of participants in the program will be explored.

Design

A mixed-methods design, including a randomized controlled trial and an exploratory qualitative study, was used.

Methods

Each group consists of 41 participants. The experimental group will undergo a 12-week multicomponent exercise intervention, including warm-up, exergaming aerobic exercise, elastic-band resistance exercise, and cool-down. This intervention was developed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Self-Efficacy Model (SEM). The control group will not receive any intervention. Physical frailty and cognitive function will be considered as primary outcomes. Data will be collected both at baseline and at the end of the intervention period. Fisher's exact test, analysis of covariance, and generalized linear models will be conducted to compare mean changes between the two groups. Additionally, the mediation models will be used to examine whether any intervention effects are mediated through exercise self-efficacy.

Discussion

The findings of this study are anticipated to provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, enabling them to learn about effective strategies to enhance exercise adherence and promote improved functionality, independence, and quality of life for older adults with cognitive frailty.Clinical trial registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [ChiCTR2200058850].

Were Frailty Identification Criteria Created Equal? A Comparative Case Study on Continuous Non-Invasively Collected Neurocardiovascular Signals during an Active Standing Test in the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)

BACKGROUND

In this observational study, we compared continuous physiological signals during an active standing test in adults aged 50 years and over, characterised as frail by three different criteria, using data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).

METHODS

This study utilised data from TILDA, an ongoing landmark prospective cohort study of community-dwelling adults aged 50 years or older in Ireland. The initial sampling strategy in TILDA was based on random geodirectory sampling. Four independent groups were identified: those characterised as frail only by one of the frailty tools used (the physical Frailty Phenotype (FP), the 32-item Frailty Index (FI), or the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) classification tree), and a fourth group where participants were not characterised as frail by any of these tools. Continuous non-invasive physiological signals were collected during an active standing test, including systolic (sBP) and diastolic (dBP) blood pressure, as well as heart rate (HR), using digital artery photoplethysmography. Additionally, the frontal lobe cerebral oxygenation (Oxy), deoxygenation (Deoxy), and tissue saturation index (TSI) were also non-invasively measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). The signals were visualised across frailty groups and statistically compared using one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping (SPM).

RESULTS

A total of 1124 participants (mean age of 63.5 years; 50.2% women) were included: 23 were characterised as frail only by the FP, 97 by the FI, 38 by the CFS, and 966 by none of these criteria. The SPM analyses revealed that only the group characterised as frail by the FI had significantly different signals (p < 0.001) compared to the non-frail group. Specifically, they exhibited an attenuated gain in HR between 10 and 15 s post-stand and larger deficits in sBP and dBP between 15 and 20 s post-stand.

CONCLUSIONS

The FI proved to be more adept at capturing distinct physiological responses to standing, likely due to its direct inclusion of cardiovascular morbidities in its definition. Significant differences were observed in the dynamics of cardiovascular signals among the frail populations identified by different frailty criteria, suggesting that caution should be taken when employing frailty identification tools on physiological signals, particularly the neurocardiovascular signals in an active standing test.

Clinical validation of SARC-F by proxy as a practical tool to evaluate sarcopenia in dependent older adults

INTRODUCTION

Sarcopenia is a prevalent disorder in older adults with significant adverse outcomes and regular screening is recommended for those at risk. The SARC-F questionnaire is the most commonly recommended screening tool for sarcopenia. However, as a self-reported tool, it cannot be applied to dependent individuals with communication problems. We hypothesized that implementation of the proxy-reported SARC-F (SARC-F by proxy) would be non-inferior in screening sarcopenia when compared with the standard SARC-F. Thus, we aimed to investigate the clinical validity of the SARC-F by proxy in identifying sarcopenia in older adults and to compare its performance with the standard SARC-F. Additionally, we aimed to determine the ideal cut-off of SARC-F by proxy in screening sarcopenia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a validation study including older adults aged ≥60 years without communication problems and their close proxies. The participants were recruited from a geriatric outpatient clinic of a tertiary health center and a nursing home. Standard SARC-F was transformed to SARC-F by proxy and administered to the proxies of older adults, and standard SARC-F was administered to the patients simultaneously in different rooms. We defined sarcopenia as probable and confirmed by the EWGSOP2 consensus report. We performed receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and sensitivity/specificity analyses of SARC-F by proxy for diagnosing sarcopenia and compared its performance with standard SARC-F by the DeLong test.

RESULTS

We included 172 older adults (median age: 72; 44.8% female) and 107 proxies in close contact (median age: 55, 63.2% female). The prevalence of probable and confirmed sarcopenia was 18.9% and 12.9%, respectively. For both definitions, area under the curve (AUC) values of SARC-F by proxy and standard SARC-F were moderate and similar [probable sarcopenia: 0.619 and 0.624 (p = 0.9); confirmed sarcopenia 0.613 and 0.645 (p = 0.7), respectively]. The best balance between sensitivity and specificity was achieved with a SARC-F by proxy score of ≥2 for both sarcopenia definitions (sensitivity levels were 74.7% and 77.8%, and specificity levels were 50.0% and 49.6%, for probable and confirmed sarcopenia, respectively).

DISCUSSION

SARC-F by proxy showed a similar, non-inferior performance compared to the standard SARC-F in the evaluation of sarcopenia. Our results suggest that it can be used instead of standard SARC-F to screen sarcopenia in older patients with communication problems. Further validation studies in different populations are warranted to support our findings.

Similarities and Differences of Interventions to Promote Physical and Psychological Health Between Prefrail and Frail Older Women: A Systematic Review

The current review aimed to explore similarities and differences in the properties of interventions that promote physical and psychological health between prefrail and frail older women. Ten databases were searched for studies published from database inception to May 2023. Two Cochrane tools were used to assess the risk of bias in experimental and quasi-experimental studies. Twenty-three studies were selected, including 11 studies on prefrailty and 12 studies on frailty. Exercise interventions were predominant, but the contents and standards of exercise intensity were inconsistent between prefrail and frail women. For the main outcomes of the interventions, balance ability and biochemical factors were measured more frequently for frail older women than prefrail older women. Psychological health was less measured for prefrail and frail older women compared to physical health. Future research needs to consider balance training, as well as the evaluation of biochemical factors and psychological health among prefrail or frail older women. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(10), 20-28.].

Alzheimer's disease and its associated risk of bone fractures: a narrative review

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is the major cause of dementia in the aged population. Recent researches indicate that patients with AD have a significantly increased fracture risk, but the pathological mechanisms are still unclear.

Objective

We systematically reviewed studies regarding bone fracture risk in AD to uncover links between the pathologies of osteoporosis and AD.

Methods

We searched the literature using the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they evaluated bone fracture risk in AD patients and if they explored the pathogenesis and prevention of bone fractures in these patients.

Results

AD patients had a significantly higher risk of bone fractures than age-matched controls. Multiple factors contributed to the increased risk of bone fractures in AD patients, including the direct effects of amyloid pathology on bone cells, abnormal brain-bone interconnection, Wnt/β-catenin signalling deficits, reduced activity, high risk of falls and frailty, and chronic immune activity. Exercise, prevention of falls and fortified nutrition were beneficial for reducing the fracture risk in AD patients. However, the efficacy of anti-osteoporotic agents in preventing bone fractures should be further evaluated in AD patients as corresponding clinical studies are very scarce.

Conclusion

Alzheimer's disease patients have increased bone fracture risk and decreased bone mineral density owing to multiple factors. Assessment of anti-osteoporotic agents' efficacy in preventing bone fractures of AD patients is urgently needed.

Fear of Falling Score Is a Predictor of Falls in Community-Dwelling Pre-Frail and Frail Older People

Identifying frail older people at risk of falling is a priority in order to apply preventive strategies. This cross-sectional study included community-dwelling pre-frail and frail people (Fried's criteria) aged 70 years and older to assess the prevalence of falls and identify screening strategies based on comprehensive geriatric assessments to detect an increased risk of falling and recurrent falling in community-dwelling frail and pre-frail old people. Of the 229 participants, 121 (54.9%) had fallen in the previous 12 months, and 20 of these (16.5%) were recurrent fallers (≥2 falls). A score of 20 points or more on the Falls Efficacy Scale International was predictive of falling (area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.61-0.74, p < 0.001) with a sensitivity of 51.7% and a specificity of 73.9%. Polypharmacy, Short Physical Performance Battery score of 8 points or less, and Falls Efficacy Scale International score of 20 points or more show an area under the curve of 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.67-0.89, p < 0.001) for recurrent falling.

Frailty, Cognitive Impairment, and Incident Major Neurocognitive Disorders: Results of the NuAge Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Frailty is associated with an increased risk of major neurocognitive disorders (MNCD).

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compare the Fried physical model and the CARE deficit accumulation model for their association with incident major neurocognitive disorders (MNCD), and to examine how the addition of cognitive impairment to these frailty models impacts the incidence in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

A subset of community dwellers (n = 1,259) who participated in the "Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging" (NuAge) were selected in this Elderly population-based observational cohort study with 3 years of follow-up. Fried and CARE frailty stratifications into robust, pre-frail and frail groups were performed using the NuAge baseline assessment. Incident MNCD (i.e., Modified Mini Mental State (3MS) score <  79/100 and Instrumental Activity Daily Living (IADL) score <  6/8) were collected each year over a 3-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

A greater association with incident MNCD of the CARE frail state was observed with an increased predictive value when combined with cognitive impairment in comparison to Fried's one, the highest incidences being observed using the robust state as the reference. Results with the Fried frail state were more heterogenous, with no association with the frail state alone, whereas cognitive impairment alone showed the highest significant incidence.

CONCLUSION

The association of the CARE frail state with cognitive impairment increased the predictive value of MNCD, suggesting that the CARE frailty model may be of clinical interest when screening MCND in the elderly population.

The construction and validation of a frailty risk prediction model for older adults with lung cancer: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to construct and internally validate a frailty risk prediction model in older adults with lung cancer.

METHOD

In total, 538 patients were recruited in a grade A tertiary cancer hospital in Tianjin, and patients were randomly divided into the training group (n = 377) and the testing group (n = 166) at a ratio of 7:3. The Frailty Phenotype scale was used to identify frailty and logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors and establish a frailty risk prediction model.

RESULTS

In the training group, logistic regression showed that age, fatigue-related symptom cluster, depression, nutritional status, D-dimer level, albumin level, presence of comorbidities, and disease course were independent risk factors for frailty. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of the training and testing groups were 0.921 and 0.872, respectively. A calibration curve of P = 0.447 validated model calibration. The decision curve analysis demonstrated greater clinical benefit when the threshold probability was >20%.

CONCLUSION

The prediction model had a favorable prediction power for determining the risk of frailty, contributing to the prevention and screening of frailty. Patients with a frailty risk score of more than 0.374 should be regularly monitored for frailty and receive personalized preventive interventions.

Using EHR Data to Identify Patient Frailty and Risk for ICU Transfer

The predictive properties of four definitions of a frailty risk score (FRS) constructed using combinations of nursing flowsheet data, laboratory tests, and ICD-10 codes were examined for time to first intensive care unit (ICU) transfer in medical-surgical inpatients ≥50 years of age. Cox regression modeled time to first ICU transfer and Schemper-Henderson explained variance summarized predictive accuracy of FRS combinations. Modeling by age group and controlling for sex, all FRS measures significantly predicted time to first ICU transfer. Further multivariable modeling controlling for clinical characteristics substantially improved predictive accuracy. The effect of frailty on time to first ICU transfer depended on age, with highest risk in 50 to <60 years and ≥80 years age groups. Frailty prevalence ranged from 25.1% to 56.4%. Findings indicate that FRS-based frailty is a risk factor for time to first ICU transfer and should be considered in assessment and care-planning to address frailty in high-risk patients.Frailty prevalence was highest med-surg pts 60 to <70 years (56%); highest risk for time to first ICU transfer was in younger (50 to <60 years) and older (≥80 years) groups.

The increased medical burden associated with frailty is partly attributable to household solid fuel: A nationwide prospective study of middle-aged and older people in China

BACKGROUND

Frail individuals often face a high medical burden, and household solid fuel use is associated with a range of functional declines or diseases, but evidence on the relationship between household solid fuel and frailty and the resulting medical burden is limited. We aim to investigate the effect of household solid fuel on frailty and further quantify how much of the increased medical burden associated with frailty is attributable to household solid fuel.

METHODS

The prospective data were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, 4685 non-frail participants at baseline were included. Inverse probability weighting was used to balance the covariates between groups. The modified Poisson regression was used to analyze the association of household solid fuel (including baseline and switching across three-wave survey) with frailty, and the generalized linear model was used to analyze the association of frailty with the change in medical burden. Further, the increased medical burden associated with frailty attributable to household solid fuel was quantified.

RESULTS

Using solid fuel for cooking (RR = 1.29, 95%CI, 1.07-1.57), heating (RR = 1.38, 95%CI, 1.09-1.73), or both (RR = 1.40, 95%CI, 1.05-1.86) had a higher risk of frailty than using clean fuel. In addition, the risk of frailty generally increases with the times of solid fuel use across the three-wave survey. Then, frailty participants had a greater increase in the annual number of hospitalizations (β = 0.11, 95%CI, 0.02-0.19) and annual costs of hospitalizations (β = 2953.35, 95%CI, 1149.87-4756.83) than those non-frailty. Heating coal caused the largest frailty-related increase in the annual number of hospitalizations and annual costs of hospitalizations, with 0.04 and 1195.40, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The increased medical burden associated with frailty was partly attributable to household solid fuel, which suggested that intervention targeting household solid fuels can delay frailty and thus reduce individual medical burden.

Effects of non-pharmacological interventions on psychological outcomes among older people with frailty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Older people with frailty are more likely to experience negative psychological well-being, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress. Deterioration of psychological outcomes, in turn, further aggravates the frailty status among this vulnerable population. Considering the undesirable effects of polypharmacy on older people, the use of non-pharmacological intervention has attracted increasing attention. However, the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on psychological outcomes are not clear.

AIMS

This review aims to systematically identify and synthesise evidence to examine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on psychological outcomes among older people with frailty.

METHODS

Eight electronic databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, CNKI and WANFANG were searched from inception to 14 November 2022. Randomised controlled trials and clinical controlled trials of non-pharmacological interventions on psychological outcomes in older people with frailty were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed using The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool v2. Meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan5.3. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated by GRADE approach.

RESULTS

A total of 4726 articles were initially identified and screened for title and abstract. Eventually, 13 articles from 11 studies were included in this review. The results of the overall risk of bias indicated that four studies had low risk; five studies had some concerns, and two studies had high risk. Four types of intervention were identified, including physical exercise (n = 3), complementary and alternative medicine (music therapy = 1, acupressure = 1), case management (n = 5), and advance care planning (n = 1). The pooled analysis showed that group-based physical exercise had significant beneficial effects on depressive symptoms (SMD: -0.46, 95% CI: -0.81 to -0.10, p = .01; low certainty). There is no difference between the effects of case management and usual care on depressive symptoms (SMD: 0.02, 95% CI: -0.14 to 0.19, p = .79; high certainty). Narrative synthesis of evidence suggested the effects of complementary and alternative medicine on improving depressive symptoms and general mental status.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological outcomes in older people with frailty are understudied. Group-based physical exercise could be a strategy to reduce depressive symptoms among older people with frailty. There is limited evidence showing the effects of complementary and alternative medicine on improving psychological outcomes. More rigorous trials are needed to examine the effects of non-pharmacological interventions on psychological outcomes among older people with frailty.

REGISTRATION

(PROSPERO): CRD42022303370.

Self-reported hearing and vision impairment and incident frailty in Japanese older people: A 3-year longitudinal analysis of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study

BACKGROUND

We examined the associations and interactions of hearing impairment (HI) and vision impairment (VI) with frailty.

METHODS

We performed a 3-year longitudinal analysis of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES), a nationwide prospective cohort study of functionally independent Japanese older people (age ≥ 65 years). Frailty status at baseline and follow-up was defined according to the Kihon Checklist. HI and VI at baseline were self-reported. Logistic regression models were used to examine the main and interaction effects of HI and VI on incident frailty during a 3-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

Of the 7,852 participants (mean age 73.2 years, standard deviation 5.6; 50.7% women), 9.7%, 5.3%, and 1.9% reported HI, VI, and concurrent HI and VI, respectively. After adjusting for possible confounders and the other sensory impairment, VI (odds ratio [OR] 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62-3.85, p < 0.001), but not HI (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.97-1.72, p = 0.081), was significantly associated with incident combined pre-frailty and frailty from a robust baseline. No interaction was observed between HI and VI (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.38-1.81, p = 0.636). We observed no significant associations between sensory impairments and incident frailty from a pre-frail baseline (HI: OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.88-1.80, p = 0.205; VI: OR 1.44, 95% CI 0.90-2.31, p = 0.127; interaction between HI and VI: OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.53-2.53, p = 0.718).

CONCLUSIONS

VI, rather than HI, may be an independent risk factor for frailty, without any interaction between the two.

The Relationship between Sarcopenia and Injury Events: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 98,754 Older Adults

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and injury events (falls, fractures, hospitalization, disability, and death). This study systemically searched the literature from Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library and analyzed the collected literature using the random effects model to demonstrate the relationship between sarcopenia and injury events. This study followed the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and collected a total of 38 prospective studies, and the results showed that, when compared to robust individuals, the risk of injury events for older individuals with sarcopenia was significantly higher for fractures (HR = 9.66, CI: 5.07-18.38), hospital admissions (HR = 11.80, CI: 4.86-28.65), and death (HR = 9.57, CI: 3.17-28.94). In consideration of the negative impact of sarcopenia on the subsequent health of older adults, professional nursing personnel should assess older adults for sarcopenia as early as possible and propose relevant care policies to further reduce negative health impacts.

Frailty and risks of all-cause and cause-specific death in community-dwelling adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The associations of frailty with all-cause and cause-specific mortality remain unclear. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis to fill this gap.

Methods

We searched the PubMed and Embase databases through June 2022. Prospective cohort studies or clinical trials examining frailty were evaluated, and the multiple adjusted risk estimates of all-cause and cause-specific mortality, such as death from cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, respiratory illness, dementia, infection, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), were included. A random effects model was used to calculate the summary hazard ratio (HR).

Results

Fifty-eight studies were included for the qualitative systematic review, of which fifty-six studies were eligible for the quantitative meta-analysis, and the studies included a total of 1,852,951 individuals and more than 145,276 deaths. Compared with healthy adults, frail adults had a significantly higher risk of mortality from all causes (HR 2.40; 95% CI 2.17–2.65), CVD (HR 2.64; 95% CI 2.20–3.17), respiratory illness (HR 4.91; 95% CI 2.97–8.12), and cancer (HR 1.97; 95% CI 1.50–2.57). Similar results were found for the association between prefrail adults and mortality risk. In addition, based on the studies that have reported the HRs of the mortality risk per 0.1 and per 0.01 increase in the frailty index, we obtained consistent results.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that frailty was not only significantly related to an increased risk of all-cause mortality but was also a strong predictor of cause-specific mortality from CVD, cancer, and respiratory illness in community-dwelling adults. More studies are warranted to clarify the relationship between frailty and cause-specific mortality from dementia, infection, and COVID-19.

Trial registration

PROSPERO (CRD42021276021).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03404-w.

World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: a global initiative

BACKGROUND

falls and fall-related injuries are common in older adults, have negative effects on functional independence and quality of life and are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and health related costs. Current guidelines are inconsistent, with no up-to-date, globally applicable ones present.

OBJECTIVES

to create a set of evidence- and expert consensus-based falls prevention and management recommendations applicable to older adults for use by healthcare and other professionals that consider: (i) a person-centred approach that includes the perspectives of older adults with lived experience, caregivers and other stakeholders; (ii) gaps in previous guidelines; (iii) recent developments in e-health and (iv) implementation across locations with limited access to resources such as low- and middle-income countries.

METHODS

a steering committee and a worldwide multidisciplinary group of experts and stakeholders, including older adults, were assembled. Geriatrics and gerontological societies were represented. Using a modified Delphi process, recommendations from 11 topic-specific working groups (WGs), 10 ad-hoc WGs and a WG dealing with the perspectives of older adults were reviewed and refined. The final recommendations were determined by voting.

RECOMMENDATIONS

all older adults should be advised on falls prevention and physical activity. Opportunistic case finding for falls risk is recommended for community-dwelling older adults. Those considered at high risk should be offered a comprehensive multifactorial falls risk assessment with a view to co-design and implement personalised multidomain interventions. Other recommendations cover details of assessment and intervention components and combinations, and recommendations for specific settings and populations.

CONCLUSIONS

the core set of recommendations provided will require flexible implementation strategies that consider both local context and resources.

Predictors of Adverse Outcomes in Healthy Aging Adults: Coronary Artery Disease, Lower Educational Status and Higher P-Selectin Levels

Background

Societal aging – as a global demographic phenomenon – shows no indication of abating. As a result, the problem of age-associated disability and related long-term care is emerging as a major public health challenge. It is important that methods for identifying older adults at risk of adverse outcomes are implemented early.

Methods

The study group consisted of 145 individuals, 44.1% women, who were randomized from community-dwelling 60–74-year-old adults. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was supplemented with Fried frailty phenotype evaluation and blood tests (including adhesion molecules, matrix metalloproteinases and neurotrophic factors). A follow-up by phone call was made for at least 3 years after the initial examination. Composite endpoint (CE) included falls, hospitalization, institutionalization and death.

Results

Mean study group age was 66.5 ± 4.1 years (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage[substack]{amsmath} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage[mathscr]{eucal} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \DeclareFontFamily{T1}{linotext}{} \DeclareFontShape{T1}{linotext}{m}{n} {linotext }{} \DeclareSymbolFont{linotext}{T1}{linotext}{m}{n} \DeclareSymbolFontAlphabet{\mathLINOTEXT}{linotext} \begin{document} $$\overline {\rm{X}} {\rm{ \pm SD}}$$ \end{document}) and mean number of diseases was 3.7 ± 2.2. Functional status of the subjects was good, as indicated by high Barthel Index scores of 99.1 ± 2.4, MMSE scores of 29.0 ±1.5 and no frailty case. During a three-year follow-up, 71 participants (49.0%) experienced any CE-events. The Wilcoxon-Gehan test indicates that a higher probability of three-year CE completion was associated with an age >65 years (P = 0.006), coronary artery disease (CAD) (P = 0.008), 6-Minute Walk Test <432 m (P = 0.034), serum glucose >120 mg/dL (P = 0.047), serum cortisol >10 μg/dL (P = 0.011), leptin ≥15 ng/mL (P = 0.018), P-selectin ≥23 ng/mL (P = 0.006) and GDNF ≥20 pg/mL (P = 0.004). CAD (OR = 3.64, 95% CI = 1.53−8.69, P = 0.004), educational status (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.77−0.98, P = 0.022) and P-selectin levels (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02−1.13, P = 0.013) were independent measures predicting three-year CE occurrence in multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for clinical and functional measures, and blood tests.

Conclusion

Coronary artery disease, poorer lower educational status and higher P-selectin levels were predictive of adverse outcomes in the community-dwelling healthy-aging early-old adults during three-year follow-up.

Using Interaction between Cognitive and Motor Impairment for Risk Screening of Major Neurocognitive Disorders: Results of the EPIDOS Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cognitive and motor impairments are risk factors of major neurocognitive disorders (MNCD). Inability to name the date and use of a walking aid and/or history of falls are two items which are surrogate measures of cognitive and motor impairments. This study aims to examine the association of inability to name the date (i.e., cognitive impairment), use of a walking aid and/or history of falls (i.e., motor impairment) and their combination with incident MNCD in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

A total of 709 participants (mean age 79.8 ± 3.7; 100% female) of the EPIDémiologie de l'OStéoporose (EPIDOS) study recruited in Toulouse (France) were selected for this study. EPIDOS is an observational population-based cohort study with a 7-year follow-up period for Toulouse participants. Inability to name the date and use of a walking aid and/or history of falls were collected at baseline. Incident MNCD and their type (i.e., Alzheimer's disease (AD) and non-AD) were diagnosed at the end of the 7-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall incidence of MNCD was 29.1%. Cox regressions revealed that inability to name the date and its combination with use of a walking aid and/or history of falls was associated with a significant increased incidence of MNCD (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.10 with p = 0.003 and HR = 1.81 with p = 0.011, respectively) and AD (HR =1.13 with p = 0.003 and HR = 2.80 with p = 0.016, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased incident MNCD was reported when inability to name the date and use of a walking aid and/or history of falls were combined, suggesting that this combination of items may be used for risk screening of MNCD in the older population, especially for incident AD.

Emergency Room Evaluation and Recommendations and Risk Screening of Incident Major Neurocognitive Disorders in Older Females: Results of an Observational Population-Based Cohort Study

Background

“Emergency Room Evaluation and Recommendations” (ER²) risk levels (i.e., low, moderate and high) may be used to screen for major neurocognitive disorders (MNCD) in older emergency department users, as a high ER² risk level is associated with MNCD diagnosis. This study aims to examine the association of ER² risk levels with incident MNCD in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

A total of 709 participants of the EPIDémiologie de l’OStéoporose (EPIDOS) study—an observational population-based cohort study—were recruited in Toulouse (France). ER² low, moderate and high risk levels were determined at baseline. Incident MNCD and their type (i.e., Alzheimer’s disease (AD) vs. non-AD) were diagnosed after a 7-year follow-up period.

Results

The overall incidence of MNCD was 29.1%. A low ER² risk level was associated with low incidence of MNCD [Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.71 with P = 0.018] and AD (HR = 0.56 with P = 0.003), whereas a high risk level, both individually and when combined with a moderate risk level, was associated with high incidence of MNCD (HR ≥ 1.40 with P ≤0.018) and AD (HR ≥ 1.80 with P ≤ 0.003). No association was found with incident non-AD.

Conclusion

ER² risk levels were positively associated with incident MNCD in EPIDOS participants, suggesting that ER² may be used for risk screening of MNCD in the older population.

Risk factors and a nomogram for frailty in Chinese older patients with Alzheimer's disease: A single-center cross-sectional study

This study aimed to determine the risk factors of frailty in Chinese older patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and then construct a nomogram for frailty in this population. A total of 205 eligible older AD patients were recruited. Patients' general demographic characteristics were collected through a self-designed questionnaire. A nomogram was constructed for frailty based on the risk factors identified from the multivariate analysis. The discrimination and calibration capabilities of this nomogram were assessed with the C-index and calibration curve, respectively. The results showed that older age, no regular exercise habit, severe cognitive decline, and low social support were identified as important risk factors of frailty in AD patients. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.884 by bootstrapping validation, and the calibration curve of the nomogram showed high coherence between the predicted and actual probabilities of frailty. In conclusion, this nomogram was validated to have favorable discrimination and calibration capabilities.

Impact of frailty on all-cause mortality or major amputation in patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Frailty has been increasingly identified as a risk factor of adverse outcomes in vascular disease. However, its impact on the survival and amputation in patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to examine the value of frailty in predicting all-cause mortality or major amputation in patients with lower extremity PAD.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Scopus databases (up to April 7, 2022) were comprehensively searched to identify relevant studies that investigated the association between frailty and all-cause mortality or major amputation in patients with lower extremity PAD. The impact of frailty on adverse outcomes was summarized by pooling the fully adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random effect (DerSimonian-Laird) model.

RESULTS

Seven studies reporting on eight articles that involved 122,892 patients were included. The prevalence of frailty ranged from 42% to 80% based on the frailty tool used. Meta-analysis showed that frailty was associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality (HR 2.11; 95% CI 1.41-3.15; I² =47.6%, p = 0.148, Tau-squared=0.058) and long-term all-cause mortality (HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.25-2.76; I² =76.1%, p = 0.002, Tau-squared=0.118). However, no clear association was observed between frailty and major amputation (HR 1.07; 95% CI 0.83-1.36; I² =23.0%, p = 0.273, Tau-squared=0.019).

CONCLUSION

Frailty independently predicts short and long-term all-cause mortality but not major amputation in patients with lower extremity PAD. Frailty status may play an important role in risk stratification of lower extremity PAD.

Multi-Concept Frailty Predicts the Late-Life Occurrence of Cognitive Decline or Dementia: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies

Background

Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome that increases an individual’s vulnerability for developing adverse health outcomes, which include dementia. It might serve as a promising target for dementia prevention. However, there are currently no studies summarizing the association between multi-concept frailty and the risk of cognitive disorders. This study aims to summarize the evidence of associations between multi-concept frailty and cognitive disorders based on longitudinal studies.

Methods

Scopus, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PubMed, and EMBASE databases were searched from inception to January 2, 2022. Longitudinal studies, which explored the association of frailty with incident risk of cognitive decline or dementia, were included. The multivariable-adjusted effect estimates were pooled by random-effects models. The evidence credibility was depicted according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method.

Results

A total of 30 longitudinal studies were included. Four types of frailty concepts were involved, including physical, cognitive, social, and biopsychosocial frailty. The meta-analysis comprised 20 studies of 252,571 older adults (mean age: 64.1–80.4 years), among whom 7,388 participants developed cognitive decline or dementia. Physical frailty was associated with higher risk of developing cognitive disorders [pooled relative risk (pRR) = 1.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.28–1.80, I2 = 21.2%, pRR = 1.62 for cognitive decline, 95% CI: 1.07–2.45, I2 = 40.2%, pRR = 1.37 for all-cause dementia (ACD), 95% CI: 1.13–1.66, I2 = 0.0%]. Cognitive frailty (pRR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.28–6.55, I2 = 78.1%) and pre-frailty (pRR = 4.24, 95% CI: 2.74–6.56, I2 = 30.2%) were linked to higher risk of ACD. Biopsychosocial frailty could predict a 41% (pRR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.17–1.71) elevated risk of cognitive decline or dementia [pRR = 1.53 (95% CI: 1.19–1.96) for ACD and 1.11 (95% CI: 1.05–1.17) for Alzheimer’s disease (AD)]. In the systematic review, social frailty was associated with a 53% higher risk of AD. Preventing frailty could avoid a maximum of 9.9% cognitive disorders globally. The overall evidence strength is rated as low-to-moderate. Inconsistency and imprecision are major sources of bias.

Conclusion

Frailty in late life is a promising risk factor for cognitive disorders. Frail elderly should be monitored for their cognitive dynamics and initiate early prevention of dementia.

Systematic Review Registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier CRD4202127 3434.

Modifiable predictive factors and all-cause mortality in the non-hospitalized elderly population: An umbrella review of meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

This umbrella review aimed to summarize the association between modifiable predictive factors and all-cause mortality in the non-hospitalized elderly population, and estimated the credibility and strength of the current evidence.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of science, and EBSCOhost were searched up to February 28, 2022. Random-effect summary effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), heterogeneity, small-study effect, excess significance bias, as well as 95% prediction intervals (PIs) were calculated. Methodological quality was assessed with the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) tool. The credibility of the included meta-analyses was graded from convincing to weak using established criteria. This umbrella review was registered with PROSPERO, CRD 42021282183.

RESULTS

In total, 32 predictive factors involving 49 associations extracted from 35 meta-analyses were analyzed. Forty-three of the 49 (87.8%) associations presented nominal significant effects by the random-effect model (P < 0.05), of which 34 had harmful associations and nine had beneficial associations with all-cause mortality. Frailty (FRAIL scale), low short physical performance battery (SPPB) score, and fewer daily steps carried a more than three-fold risk for all-cause mortality. Convincing evidence showed that weight fluctuation, prefrailty and frailty status, sarcopenia, low SPPB score, fewer daily steps, and fatigue increased the risk of all-cause mortality, while daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) duration and total physical activity participation reduced the risk of death. There were twenty, nine, five, and six associations that yielded highly suggestive, suggestive, weak, and non-significant grades of evidence. Thirty-four (69.4%) of the associations exhibited significant heterogeneity. Twenty-two associations presented 95% PIs excluding the null value, two indicated small-study effects, and three had evidence for excess significance bias, respectively. The methodological quality of most meta-analyses was rated as low (37.1%) or critically low (42.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

A summary of the currently available meta-analyses suggests that a broad range of modifiable predictive factors are significantly associated with all-cause mortality risk in the non-hospitalized elderly population. The most credible evidence indicates that physical function represented by frailty and sarcopenia, as well as physical activity, are significant predictors for all-cause mortality. This umbrella review may provide prognostic information to direct appropriate diagnostic evaluation and treatment goals in the future. More solid evidence is still needed coming from moderate-to-high quality meta-analyses.

Mirabegron for overactive bladder in frail patients 80 years or over (HOKUTO study)

BACKGROUND

We assessed the efficacy and safety of mirabegron, a β₃-adrenoceptor agonist, in older adults (≥ 80 years old) with overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

OAB patients aged ≥ 80 years were enrolled in this prospective, single-arm observational study. OAB was diagnosed based on the OAB symptom score (OABSS); i.e., a total score of ≥ 3 points and an urgency score of ≥ 2 points. Patients who received 50 mg mirabegron once daily were evaluated at the baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The changes from the baseline in the OABSS, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), OAB questionnaire (OAB-q) score, and Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) score were determined. Adverse events, laboratory tests, 12-lead electrocardiography, the QT interval according to Fridericia's formula (QTcF), uroflowmetry, the post-void residual urine volume (PVR), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score were used to assess safety.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients (median age: 84 years, range: 80-96 years) were examined. They had high rates of comorbidities and polypharmacy. Mirabegron significantly improved in total score of the OABSS, including urgency and urge incontinence. The total IPSS, IPSS quality-of-life (QOL) index, and OAB-q scores also significantly improved. Mirabegron improved in the VES-13 score. There were no significant changes in laboratory test values, uroflowmetry findings, PVR, the QTcF, or MMSE score. Two patients (4.7%) withdrew from the study after experiencing adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Mirabegron was well tolerated and significantly improved in OAB symptoms, and QOL in older patients. Trial registration The present clinical study was approved by University of Yamanashi Institutional Review Board prior to study initiation (ID1447) and was retrospectively registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR), Japan (UMIN000045996) on Nov 6, 2021.

Association Between Fear of Falling and Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Background/Objective

Fear of falling (FoF) and frailty are common problems in older adults. FoF can lead to self-imposed restriction of activities and then further decline in physical capacities that predispose older adults to frailty. Evaluating the association of these two geriatric syndromes may be the first step for understanding their complex relationship and might ultimately lead to establishing therapeutic goals and guiding treatments for older adults with frailty. This systematic review was conducted to provide evidence regarding the association between FoF and frailty.

Methods

All the articles that provided information on the association between FoF and frailty were selected from PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and EMBASE in search of relevant papers. Articles reporting information on the association between FoF (exposure) and frailty (outcome), with older adults (age ≥60 years) living in the community (ie, living either at home or in places of residence that do not provide nursing care or rehabilitation) were included. Only original articles with observational design (cross-sectional or longitudinal/cohort) were included. The methodological quality of included articles was evaluated independently by the two assessors through the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, respectively.

Results

The initial searches found 4,342 articles, of which 10 articles were included in this review: 7 cross-sectional and 2 longitudinal studies, and 1 study with cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. The total sample was composed of 6,294 community-dwelling older adults (61.8% women). Among the longitudinal studies, adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.18 (95% CI = 1.02; 1.36) to 9.87 (95% CI = 5.22; 18.68), while the adjusted odds ratios of the cross-sectional studies ranged from 1.04 (95% CI = 1.02; 1.07) to 7.16 (95% CI = 2.34; 21.89).

Conclusion

FoF increases the risk of frailty in community-dwelling older adults. The knowledge of this association is of utmost importance in clinical practice, since it can help health professionals in the development of rehabilitation, prevention, and health promotion protocols. In addition, these findings can contribute to the development of public health policies and actions aimed at reducing the FoF and consequently the frailty.

Prospero

CRD42021276775.