Functional Status in Relation to Common Geriatric Syndromes and Sociodemographic Variables – A Step Forward Towards Healthy Aging

Abstract

Purpose

Geriatric syndromes (GS) are prevalent in the older population, with an impact on morbidity and disability. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of functional dependence and ten GS in community older adults and to examine the different associations between these syndromes and sociodemographic variables and their impact on functional dependence.

Patients and Methods

A cross-sectional study of 342 outpatients seen at the geriatric clinic in the period 2015–2023.

Results

The mean age was 75±7.4. One-third had functional dependence and 96.2% had at least one GS. The mean number of GS was 3.11±1.74, ranging from 2.56±1.67 in the 60s to 3.55±1.70 in octogenarians. The most common GS found were polypharmacy (79.5%), musculoskeletal pain (49.7%), and Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) (32.7%). Polypharmacy was significantly associated with female sex and chronic pain, whereas sensory impairment was associated with male sex. MND, dizziness, and urinary incontinence were the only GS that significantly predicted functional dependence and were typically associated with increasing age.

Conclusion

Functional dependence increases as individuals age, paralleled by increases in MND, urinary incontinence, dizziness, sensory impairment, and constipation. Notably, only MND, incontinence, depression, and dizziness were significant predictors of functional dependence. Consequently, it is imperative to screen older adults presenting with these syndromes for early signs of functional decline to optimize their function and avert subsequent dependence, morbidity, and mortality.

Keywords:

• geriatric syndromes
• functional dependence
• elderly/older
• ADL
• Katz Index

Data Sharing Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon a reasonable request.

Ethics Statements

This study was approved by the IRB committee at the University of Jordan (Number: 67/2019/650) and an informed consent was taken from all participants before enrolling their data in the study. The authors assert that all procedures contributing to this work comply with the ethical standards of the relevant national and institutional committees on human experimentation and with the Helsinki Declaration.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors, and the authors declare no conflict of interest in this study.