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Experimental Aging Research
An International Journal Devoted to the Scientific Study of the Aging Process
Volume 24, 1998 - Issue 2
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Original Articles

Serum Cholesterol Levels as a Measure of Frailty in Elderly Patients

Pages 169-179 | Published online: 11 Nov 2010
 

Abstract

The authors evaluated the association between serum cholesterol levels and social, clinical, and functional characteristics in 637 elderly hospitalized patients (mean age = 79.1 years, range = 65-97) from the Geriatric Evaluation and Rehabilitation Unit (GERU) at P. Richiedei Hospital in Gussago, Brescia (Italy). Patients consecutively admitted to the GERU during an 18-month period underwent a multidimensional evaluation including information on demographics, cognitive status, physical health (number of chronic diseases and administered drugs), functional disability, and nutritional status. Mean cholesterol levels were significantly lower in men; persons living with others; older individuals; and individuals with cognitive impairment, poorer somatic health, higher disability, and a higher level of malnutrition. Lower serum cholesterol levels may be considered an independent hematologic marker of frailty in elderly hospitalized patients.

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