Geriatrics, Gerontology and Aging (Jun 2020)

FRAILTY SYNDROME IN OLDER ADULTS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND LONG-TERM CARE INSTITUTIONS: AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS

  • Vinícius Albuquerque Cunha,
  • Victor Mota Baião,
  • Geiane Alves Santos,
  • Heitor Siqueira Ribeiro,
  • Hugo Luca Correa,
  • Wallace Muniz de Melo,
  • Renato Nelson Braga Ferreira,
  • Talles Henrique Viana,
  • Pâmela Santos Teixeira,
  • Thalita Lauanna Gonçalves,
  • Otávio Toledo Nóbrega,
  • André Bonadias Gadelha,
  • Aparecido Pimentel Ferreira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5327/z2447-211520191900033
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 3
pp. 141 – 148

Abstract

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OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between Frailty syndrome, lipid profile, anthropometric variables, and the functional capacity of older adults; and to analyze an explanatory model of variables with higher predictive capacity for Frailty syndrome. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 36 and 86 older adults residing in long-term care facilities and in their households, respectively. Anamnesis was followed by evaluation of anthropometric data, risk of falls, functional tests, and biochemical tests. Frailty syndrome was determined according to the criteria suggested by Fried et al. RESULTS: Geriatric patients classified as frail were older; had higher medication consumption; and presented lower performance in handgrip strength, sit-to-stand, and gait speed tests as compared to pre- and non-frail older adults. CONCLUSION: Gait speed and sit-to-stand tests were significant predictors of Frailty syndrome. Specifically, a good performance in these tests represents a protection factor against Frailty syndrome. Furthermore, gait speed performance was explained by age, handgrip strength performance, and frailty status, while sit-to-stand performance was explained by risk of falls and muscular strength.

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