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Abstract Objective The GERONTACCESS trial evaluated the utility and cost-effectiveness of a gerontological telemedicine (TLM) programme for preventing unplanned hospitalisation of residents living in nursing homes (NHs) in regions lacking medical facilities and/or qualified medical providers (“medical deserts”). Design GERONTACCESS was a 12-month, multicentre, prospective cluster-randomised trial conducted in NHs. The intervention group underwent TLM assessments every 3 months. The control group received the usual care. In both groups, comprehensive on-site assessments were conducted at baseline and the final visit. Care requirements were documented throughout the study. Setting and participants NH residents aged ≥ 60 years with multiple chronic diseases. Methods The study outcomes were the proportion of patients who experienced avoidable and unplanned hospitalisation, and the incremental cost savings per quality-adjusted life years from baseline to the 12-month follow-up. Results Of the 426 randomised participants (mean ± standard deviation age, 87.2 ± 7.6 years; 311 [73.0%] women), 23.4% in the intervention group and 32.5% in the control group experienced unplanned hospitalisation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.43 to 0.97; p = 0.034). Each avoided hospitalisation in the intervention group saved $US 3,846. Conclusions and implications The results of GERONTACCESS revealed that our gerontological, preventative TLM program significantly reduced unplanned hospitalisations. This innovative intervention limited disease progression and promoted a healthy lifestyle among NH residents. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02816177, registered June 28, 2016.

Abstract Background Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with disability and negative health outcome. To determine the factors associated with frailty and functional disability in older participants living in community in France. We included 753 community-dwelling old participants with available frailty data at baseline. Results Overall, 31.9% were frail, 58.3% were prefrail, and 9.8% were robust. The SMAF (French acronym for Functional Autonomy Measurement System) score was significantly lower (mean ± standard deviation: -25.8 ± 11.2) in frail participants compared to prefrail (-14.3 ± 9.7) or robust participants (-8.1 ± 7.0); 82% of frail older participants had limitation in at least one ADL and 97.5% in at least one IADL compared to 54.2 and 76.8%, respectively of pre-frail and 29.7 and 47.3% of robust participants. Age, depression, impaired cognition and diabetes were significantly associated with higher odds of frailty. These variables were also strongly associated with functional disability. Female gender, polypharmacy, and smoking were additional variables significantly associated with degraded SMAF and/or ADL/IADL. Conclusions This study showed that functional disability increased proportionally to frailty, and depression, cognitive decline and diabetes are modifiable risk factors significantly associated with frailty and functional disability.

Abstract Background Monitoring frailty indicators in elderly people is recommended to identify those who could benefit from disability prevention programs. To contribute to the understanding of the development of frailty in the elderly, we have created the FREEDOM-LNA cohort constituting an observational study of ageing in general population. Here, we described the characteristics of a cohort of elderly subjects who are followed for determination of frailty and loss of independence trajectories. Results The cohort was composed of 1085 subjects in advanced age (mean: 83.7 ± 6.0 years) and of women in majority (68.3%). Cardiovascular risk factors were present in 88.4% of subjects. Abnormal musculoskeletal signs were reported in 44.0% and neurologic signs in 31.9%. There were 44.8% of subjects at risk of malnutrition (MNA 9); 31.8% (240/753) were frail and 58.3% were pre-frail. Most subjects had at least one disability in ADL (66.9%) and IADL (85.1%). The SMAF indicated a loss of independence in 59.6%. Overall, 59.9% of subjects could not stay at home without at least some help. Consequently, a medical consultation was proposed in 68.2 and 42.1% social supports. Conclusions A large part of this cohort was frail or pre-frail and presented signs of loss of independence, which may be explained by multiple factors including impaired health status, poor physical performance, cognition, isolation, depression, or nutrition. This cohort will help to determine factors that adversely influence the trajectory of physical frailty over time.

Abstract Background Independence is related to the aging process. Loss of independence is defined as the inability to make decisions and participate in activities of daily living (ADLs). Independence is related to physical, psychological, biological, and socioeconomic factors. An enhanced understanding of older people’s independence trajectories and associated risk factors would enable the develop early intervention strategies. Methods Independence trajectory analysis was performed on patients identified in the Unité de Prévention de Suivi et d’Analyse du Vieillissement (UPSAV) database. UPSAV cohort is a prospective observational study. Participants were 221 community-dwelling persons aged ≥75 years followed for 24 months between July 2011–November 2013 and benefits from a prevention strategy. Data were collected prospectively using a questionnaire. Independence was assessed using the “Functional Autonomy Measurement System (Système de Mesure de l’Autonomie Fonctionnelle (SMAF))”. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was performed to identify independence trajectories, and the results were compared with those of k-means and hierarchical ascending classifications. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify predictive factors of the independence trajectory. Results Three distinct trajectories of independence were identified including a “Stable functional autonomy (SFA) trajectory” (53% of patients), a “Stable then decline functional autonomy decline (SDFA) trajectory” (33% of patients) and a “Constantly functional autonomy decline (CFAD) trajectory” (14% of patients). Not being a member of an association, and previous fall were significantly associated of a SDFA trajectory (P

Abstract Background Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in older adults and it can increase morbidity and mortality. Approximately one in three older adults fall each year; mild chronic hyponatremia can predispose this group to injurious falls and fractures and serum levels of sodium can also influence bone health. Little is known regarding the association between mild chronic hyponatremia and injurious fall prevalence in elderly patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED). Therefore, the present study investigated the link between mild hyponatremia and the risk of injurious falls in elderly patients admitted to the Emergency Geriatric Medicine Unit (The MUPA Unit). Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted over 4 months and included patients ≥75 years of age who were admitted to the MUPA Unit of University Hospital Center of Limoges (France). Sociodemographic factors, fall events, comorbidities, medications, and sodium levels were assessed (hyponatremia was considered as sodium level < 136 mEq/L). Additionally, the short Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (short-CGA), the Frailty score on the Short Emergency Geriatric Assessment (SEGA), and the Katz Activity of Daily Living (ADL) scale were administered. Results Of the 696 cases included in the final analysis, the mean age was 86.1 ± 5.6 years and 63.1% were female. The prevalence of falls was 27.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.6–31.2%) and that of mild hyponatremia was 15.9% (95% CI: 13.2–18.6%). The prevalence rate of mild hyponatremia was 13.2% (95% CI: 10.1–16.3%) in patients without falls and 26.1% (95% CI: 19.8–32.4%) in patients admitted for falls. Mild hyponatremia was significantly associated with falls (P < 0.001) and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 3.02 (95% CI: 1.84–4.96). Conclusions Because mild hyponatremia might be a risk factor for injurious falls and ED admission, determination of sodium levels during basic biomarker assessment on ED admission could be an important component of fall prevention strategies for the elderly.