PURPOSE: We sought to characterize self-neglect definitively as a geriatric syndrome by identifying an association with functional impairment. DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional home evaluation of 100 community-living older adults referred by Adult Protective Services for geriatric self-neglect and 100 matched adults from a community geriatrics clinic. We made our assessments by using two manual muscle tests, a timed-gait test, a modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT), and the Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS). RESULTS: Participants in the self-neglect group had impaired mPPT (p <.077) and KELS (p <.001) scores compared with community-controls. Using analysis of covariance models, we found that self-neglect referral explained a significant proportion of the variance in KELS scores (32%; p <.001) but not in mPPT scores (22%; p =.49). IMPLICATIONS: The geriatric syndrome of self-neglect is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and appears to be independently associated with impairments in instrumental activities of daily living. The evaluation and treatment of geriatric self-neglect should be consistent with that of other geriatric syndromes.
PURPOSE: We sought to characterize self-neglect definitively as a geriatric syndrome by identifying an association with functional impairment. DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional home evaluation of 100 community-living older adults referred by Adult Protective Services for geriatric self-neglect and 100 matched adults from a community geriatrics clinic. We made our assessments by using two manual muscle tests, a timed-gait test, a modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT), and the Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills (KELS). RESULTS:Participants in the self-neglect group had impaired mPPT (p <.077) and KELS (p <.001) scores compared with community-controls. Using analysis of covariance models, we found that self-neglect referral explained a significant proportion of the variance in KELS scores (32%; p <.001) but not in mPPT scores (22%; p =.49). IMPLICATIONS: The geriatric syndrome of self-neglect is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and appears to be independently associated with impairments in instrumental activities of daily living. The evaluation and treatment of geriatric self-neglect should be consistent with that of other geriatric syndromes.
Authors: XinQi Dong; Melissa A Simon; Terry Fulmer; Carlos F Mendes de Leon; Liesi E Hebert; Todd Beck; Paul A Scherr; Denis A Evans Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2011-04-15 Impact factor: 6.053
Authors: XinQi Dong; Melissa A Simon; Robert S Wilson; Carlos F Mendes de Leon; K Bharat Rajan; Denis A Evans Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2010-12 Impact factor: 5.562