Alessandra Marengoni1, Sara Angleman2, Bettina Meinow2, Giola Santoni2, Francesca Mangialasche2, Debora Rizzuto2, Johan Fastbom2, Renè Melis3, Marti Parker2, Kristina Johnell2, Laura Fratiglioni4. 1. Aging Research Center, NVS Department, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden; Stockholm University, Sweden; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Italy. Electronic address: Alessandra.marengoni@unibs.it. 2. Aging Research Center, NVS Department, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden; Stockholm University, Sweden. 3. Department of Geriatric Medicine, Nijmegen Alzheimer Centre 925, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 4. Aging Research Center, NVS Department, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden; Stockholm University, Sweden; Stockholm Gerontology Research Center, Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study analyzes the prevalence and patterns of coexisting chronic conditions in older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. PARTICIPANT AND SETTING: A sample of 3363 people ≥60years living in Stockholm were examined from March 2001 through August 2004. MEASUREMENTS: Chronic conditions were measured with: 1) multimorbidity (≥2 concurrent chronic diseases); 2) the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, 3) polypharmacy (≥5 prescribed drugs), and 4) complex health problems (chronic diseases and/or symptoms along with cognitive and/or functional limitations). RESULTS: A total of 55.6% of 60-74year olds and 13.4% of those ≥85years did not have chronic conditions according to the four indicators. Multimorbidity and polypharmacy were the most prevalent indicators: 38% aged 60-74 and 76% aged ≥85 had multimorbidity; 24.3% aged 60-74 and 59% aged ≥85 had polypharmacy. Prevalence of chronic conditions as indicated by the comorbidity index and complex health problems ranged from 16.5% and 1.5% in the 60-74year olds to 38% and 36% in the 85+ year olds, respectively. Prevalence of participants with 4 indicators was low, varying from 1.6% in those aged 60-74 to 14.9% in those aged ≥85years. Older age was associated with higher odds of each of the 4 indicators; being a woman, with all indicators but multimorbidity; and lower educational level, only with complex health problems. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of coexisting chronic conditions varies greatly by health indicator used. Variation increases when age, sex, and educational level are taken into account. These findings underscore the need of different indicators to capture health complexity in older adults.
BACKGROUND: This study analyzes the prevalence and patterns of coexisting chronic conditions in older adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. PARTICIPANT AND SETTING: A sample of 3363 people ≥60years living in Stockholm were examined from March 2001 through August 2004. MEASUREMENTS: Chronic conditions were measured with: 1) multimorbidity (≥2 concurrent chronic diseases); 2) the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, 3) polypharmacy (≥5 prescribed drugs), and 4) complex health problems (chronic diseases and/or symptoms along with cognitive and/or functional limitations). RESULTS: A total of 55.6% of 60-74year olds and 13.4% of those ≥85years did not have chronic conditions according to the four indicators. Multimorbidity and polypharmacy were the most prevalent indicators: 38% aged 60-74 and 76% aged ≥85 had multimorbidity; 24.3% aged 60-74 and 59% aged ≥85 had polypharmacy. Prevalence of chronic conditions as indicated by the comorbidity index and complex health problems ranged from 16.5% and 1.5% in the 60-74year olds to 38% and 36% in the 85+ year olds, respectively. Prevalence of participants with 4 indicators was low, varying from 1.6% in those aged 60-74 to 14.9% in those aged ≥85years. Older age was associated with higher odds of each of the 4 indicators; being a woman, with all indicators but multimorbidity; and lower educational level, only with complex health problems. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of coexisting chronic conditions varies greatly by health indicator used. Variation increases when age, sex, and educational level are taken into account. These findings underscore the need of different indicators to capture health complexity in older adults.
Authors: Lilli Herzig; Yolanda Mueller; Dagmar M Haller; Andreas Zeller; Stefan Neuner-Jehle; Anouk Déruaz-Luyet; Christine Cohidon; Sven Streit; Bernard Burnand; Jean-Christophe Zuchuat Journal: BJGP Open Date: 2019-01-23
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Authors: Davide L Vetrano; Amaia Calderón-Larrañaga; Alessandra Marengoni; Graziano Onder; Jürgen M Bauer; Matteo Cesari; Luigi Ferrucci; Laura Fratiglioni Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2018-09-11 Impact factor: 6.053
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