Transitions and trajectories in frailty states over time: a systematic review of the European Joint Action ADVANTAGE

Androstenedione and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Concentration Predict the Progression of Frailty Syndrome at One Year Follow-Up in Patients with Localized Breast Cancer Treated with Aromatase Inhibitors

Background: The standard treatment in postmenopausal women with estrogen- and progesterone-positive localized breast cancer consists of aromatase inhibitors (AROi). The ability of AROi to promote or worsen frailty syndrome over time and the relationship with changes in gonadal hormones concentration in blood have not been investigated. Methods: A prospective study to evaluate the relationship between frailty syndrome and gonadal hormones concentrations in blood at baseline (prior to AROi treatment) and after 6 and 12 months under AROi treatment in post-menopausal women with breast cancer. Frailty syndrome was evaluated by the Fried’ criteria. We evaluated whether hormone concentration at baseline could predict frailty syndrome at follow-up. Results: Multinomial regression analysis showed that of the different hormones, those significantly (p < 0.05) associated to the worsening of frailty syndrome were high androstenedione levels and low follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in blood. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed both androstenedione and FSH significantly (p < 0.05) discriminate patients who developed or presented worsening of frailty syndrome over time, with acceptable sensitivity (approximately 80% in both cases) but low specificity (40%). Conclusion: Hormonal concentrations before AROi treatment constitute possible biomarkers to predict the progression of frailty syndrome.

The Diagnostic Accuracy and Clinimetric Properties of Screening Instruments to Identify Frail Older Adults Attending Emergency Departments: A Protocol for a Mixed Methods Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Prompt and efficient identification and stratification of patients who are frail is important, as this cohort are at high risk of adverse healthcare outcomes. Numerous frailty screening tools have been developed to support their identification across different settings, yet relatively few have emerged for use in emergency departments (EDs). This protocol provides details for a systematic review aiming to synthesize the accumulated evidence regarding the diagnostic accuracy and clinimetric properties of frailty screening instruments to identify frail older adults in EDs. Methods: Six electronic databases will be searched from January 2000 to March 2021. Eligible studies will include adults aged ≥60 years screened in EDs with any available screening instrument to identify frailty (even if not originally designed for this purpose). Studies, including case-control, longitudinal, and cohort studies, will be included, where instruments are compared to a reference standard to explore diagnostic accuracy. Predictive accuracy for a selection of outcomes, including mortality, institutionalization, and readmission, will be assessed. Clinical and methodological heterogeneity will be examined, and a random effects meta-analysis performed if appropriate. Conclusion: Understanding whether frailty screening on presentation to EDs is accurate in identifying frailty, and predicting these outcomes is important for decision-making and targeting appropriate management.

[The European ADVANTAGE experience for management of frailty: keys to its applicability in Latin AmericaA experiência europeia ADVANTAGE para manejo da fragilidade: apontamentos para sua aplicabilidade na América Latina]

La Comisión Europea y 22 de sus Estados Miembros cofinanciaron durante 2017-2019 la primera acción conjunta para abordar la fragilidad en las personas mayores, denominada ADVANTAGE Joint Action. En el marco de esta iniciativa, se definió una estrategia común, basada en la mejor evidencia científica, para posicionar el envejecimiento saludable y la fragilidad como temas prioritarios de salud pública en los países participantes y contribuir así a un abordaje homogéneo de la fragilidad en toda Europa. En este artículo se detalla la metodología del trabajo realizado y los principales logros de ADVANTAGE y se incluye un análisis de las claves que contribuyeron a su éxito. En los tres años de funcionamiento se formaron y desarrollaron potentes redes de trabajo multisectoriales, tanto a nivel nacional como internacional. ADVANTAGE logró marcar rutas prácticas para abordar de manera global la fragilidad y la prevención de la dependencia en 22 países con realidades políticas, económicas, sociales y organizativas muy heterogéneas. ADVANTAGE ha demostrado que acciones de este tipo son factibles y eficaces, y que si se toman en cuenta y aplican los puntos clave de éxito identificados, debidamente ajustados a cada realidad, esta acción puede ser reproducible en cualquier país decidido a promover el envejecimiento saludable de su población, incluidos los de América Latina y el Caribe.

Frailty index transitions over eight years were frequent in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Background: The frailty index (FI) is based on accumulation of health deficits. FI cut-offs define non-frail, prefrail and frail states. We described transitions of FI states in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).

Methods: Participants aged ≥50 years with information for a 31-deficit FI at wave 1 (2010) were followed-up over four waves (2012, 2014, 2016, 2018). Transitions were visualized with alluvial plots and probabilities estimated with multi-state Markov models, investigating the effects of age, sex and education.

Results: 8174 wave 1 participants were included (3744 men and 4430 women; mean age 63.8 years). Probabilities from non-frail to prefrail, and non-frail to frail were 18% and 2%, respectively. Prefrail had a 19% probability of reversal to non-frail, and a 15% risk of progression to frail. Frail had a 21% probability of reversal to prefrail and 14% risk of death. Being older and female increased the risk of adverse FI state transitions, but being female reduced the risk of transition from frail to death. Higher level of education was associated with improvement from prefrail to non-frail.

Conclusions: FI states are characterized by dynamic longitudinal transitions and frequent improvement. Opportunities exist for reducing the probability of adverse transitions.

Clusters of Physical Frailty and Cognitive Impairment and Their Associated Comorbidities in Older Primary Care Patients

(1) Objectives: We aimed to identify clusters of physical frailty and cognitive impairment in a population of older primary care patients and correlate these clusters with their associated comorbidities. (2) Methods: We used a latent class analysis (LCA) as the clustering technique to separate different stages of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and physical frailty into clusters; the differences were assessed by using a multinomial logistic regression model. (3) Results: Four clusters (latent classes) were identified: (1) highly functional (the mean and SD of the “frailty” test 0.58 ± 0.72 and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test 27.42 ± 1.5), (2) cognitive impairment (0.97 ± 0.78 and 21.94 ± 1.95), (3) cognitive frailty (3.48 ± 1.12 and 19.14 ± 2.30), and (4) physical frailty (3.61 ± 0.77 and 24.89 ± 1.81). (4) Discussion: The comorbidity patterns distinguishing the clusters depend on the degree of development of cardiometabolic disorders in combination with advancing age. The physical frailty phenotype is likely to exist separately from the cognitive frailty phenotype and includes common musculoskeletal diseases.

Trajectories of frailty in aging: Prospective cohort study

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that there is significant variability in the progression of frailty in aging. We aimed to identify latent subpopulations of frailty trajectories, and examine their clinical and biological correlates.

Methods

We characterized frailty using a 41-item cumulative deficit score at baseline and annual visits up to 12 years in 681 older adults (55% women, mean age 74·6 years). Clinical risk profile and walking while talking performance as a clinical marker of trajectories were examined. Mortality risk associated with trajectories was evaluated using Cox regression adjusted for established survival predictors, and reported as hazard ratios (HR). Proteome-wide analysis was done.

Findings

Latent class modeling identified 4 distinct frailty trajectories: relatively stable (34·4%) as well as mild (36·1%), moderate (24·1%) and severely frail (5·4%). Four distinct classes of frailty trajectories were also shown in an independent sample of 515 older adults (60% women, 68% White, 26% Black). The stable group took a median of 31 months to accumulate one additional deficit compared to 20 months in the severely frail group. The worst trajectories were associated with modifiable risk factors such as low education, living alone, obesity, and physical inactivity as well as slower walking while talking speed. In the pooled sample, mild (HR 2·33, 95% CI 1·30–4·18), moderate (HR 2·49, 95% CI 1·33–4·66), and severely frail trajectories (HR 5·28, 95% CI 2·68–10·41) had higher mortality compared to the stable group. Proteomic analysis showed 11 proteins in lipid metabolism and growth factor pathways associated with frailty trajectories.

Conclusion

Frailty shows both stable and accelerated patterns in aging, which can be distinguished clinically and biologically.

Factors associated with the progression of deficit accumulation frailty among adults with an intellectual disability: a systematic review revealing research gaps

Background: People with an intellectual disability are more likely to experience frailty earlier in life and with greater severity compared to the general population. There is growing consideration of determinants of frailty and identifying factors which may influence the change in frailty status over time. The objective of this review was to investigate factors associated with the progression of frailty over time among adults with an intellectual disability. Methods: A systematic review of literature was conducted using PRISMA guidelines to identify studies reporting factors associated with transitions and trajectories in deficit accumulation frailty among adults with an intellectual disability. The following eligibility criteria was used: defined frailty as deficit accumulation; longitudinal design; reported at least one individual characteristic associated with change in frailty status; sample was people with an intellectual disability aged ≥18 years; English language. No limitation on publication date was applied. Studies which did not measure frailty according to deficit accumulation, did not report the frailty measure used, or had a cross-sectional design were excluded. Selected studies were assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) framework. Results: In total, two studies qualified for inclusion in this review. Findings revealed that frailty defined as deficit accumulation is a dynamic process and improvements are possible. Changes in the direction of frailty states over time among adults with an intellectual disability may be influenced by several factors including baseline frailty status, age, the presence of Down syndrome, functional ability, cognitive ability, living in a group home, and the use of nursing services and therapies. Conclusions: There is a relative paucity of research on frailty among adults with an intellectual disability and the evidence base must be grown. Exploration of the social domain of frailty in this group should be a priority of future research. PROSPERO registration: 179803 (05/07/2020)

An opinion paper on the maintenance of robustness: Towards a multimodal and intergenerational approach using digital twins

The increasing number of frail elderly people in our aging society is becoming problematic: about 11% of community‐dwelling older persons are frail and another 42% are pre‐frail. Consequently, a major challenge in the coming years will be to test people over the age of 60 years to detect pre‐frailty at the earliest stage and to return them to robustness using the targeted interventions that are becoming increasingly available. This challenge requires individual longitudinal monitoring (ILM) or follow‐up of community‐dwelling older persons using quantitative approaches. This paper briefly describes an effort to tackle this challenge. Extending the detection of the pre‐frail stages to other population groups is also suggested. Appropriate algorithms have been used to begin the tracing of faint physiological signals in order to detect transitions from robustness to pre‐frailty states and from pre‐frailty to frailty states. It is hoped that these studies will allow older adults to receive preventive treatment at the correct institutions and by the appropriate professionals as early as possible, which will prevent loss of autonomy. Altogether, ILM is conceived as an emerging property of databases (“digital twins”) and not the reverse. Furthermore, ILM should facilitate a coordinated set of actions by the caregivers, which is a complex challenge in itself. This approach should be gradually extended to all ages, because frailty has no age, as is testified by overwork, burnout, and post‐traumatic syndrome.

Patterns and predictors of low physical activity in patients with stable COPD: a longitudinal study

Background:

Despite the frequency and negative impact of low physical activity among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), little is known about how it persists and remits over time or the factors predicting new states of low physical activity. The aim of the study was to determine the probability of a transition between states of low and nonlow physical activity in a cohort of patients with stable COPD followed for 2 years. We also investigated different potentially modifiable factors to determine whether they can predict new states of low physical activity.

Methods:

We prospectively included 137 patients with stable COPD (mean age 66.9 ± 8.3 years). Physical activity was measured at baseline and at 1 and 2 years of follow up. Low physical activity was defined according to energy expenditure by cut-off points from the Fried frailty model. The likelihood of annual transition towards new states and recovery was calculated. We evaluated demographic, frailty, nonrespiratory, and respiratory variables as potential predictors, using generalized estimating equations.

Results:

At baseline, 37 patients (27%) presented with low physical activity. During the study period, a total of 179 annual transitions were identified with nonlow physical activity at the beginning of the year; 17.5% transitioned to low physical activity. In contrast, 34.3% of the 67 transitions that started with low physical activity recovered. Predictors of transition to new states of low physical activity were dyspnea ⩾2 (odds ratio = 3.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.20–8.61) and poor performance on the five sit-to-stand test (odds ratio = 4.75; 95% confidence interval: 1.30–17.47).

Conclusions:

The change between levels of low and nonlow physical activity is dynamic, especially for recovery. Annual transitions toward new states of low physical activity are likely among patients with dyspnea or poor performance on the five sit-to-stand test.

The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Identification of community-dwelling older adults at risk of frailty using the PERSSILAA screening pathway: a methodological guide and results of a large-scale deployment in the Netherlands

Background

Among community-dwelling older adults, frailty is highly prevalent and recognized as a major public health concern. To prevent frailty it is important to identify those at risk of becoming frail, but at present, no accepted screening procedure is available.

Methods

The screening process developed as part of the PERSSILAA project is a two-step screening pathway. First, older adults are asked to complete a self-screening questionnaire to assess their general health status and their level of decline on physical, cognitive and nutritional domains. Second, older adults who, according to step one, are at risk of becoming frail, are invited for a face-to-face assessment focusing on the domains in depth. We deployed the PERSSILAA screening procedure in primary care in the Netherlands.

Results

In total, baseline data were available for 3777 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 69.9 (SD ± 3.8)) who completed first step screening. Based on predefined cut-off scores, 16.8% of the sample were classified as frail (n = 634), 20.6% as pre-frail (n = 777), and 62.3% as robust (n = 2353). Frail subjects were referred back to their GP without going through the second step. Of the pre-frail older adults, 69.7% had evidence of functional decline on the physical domain, 67% were overweight or obese and 31.0% had evidence of cognitive decline.

Conclusion

Pre-frailty is common among community-dwelling older adults. The PERSSILAA screening approach is a multi-factor, two-step screening process, potentially useful for primary prevention to identify those at risk of frailty and who will benefit most from preventive strategies.

Creating a Culture of Health in Planning and Implementing Innovative Strategies Addressing Non-communicable Chronic Diseases

Ongoing demographic changes are challenging health systems worldwide especially in relation to increasing longevity and the resultant rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). To meet these challenges, a paradigm shift to a more proactive approach to health promotion, and maintenance is needed. This new paradigm focuses on creating and implementing an ecological model of Culture of Health. The conceptualization of the Culture of Health is defined as one where good health and well-being flourish across geographic, demographic, and social sectors; fostering healthy equitable communities where citizens have the opportunity to make choices and be co-producers of healthy lifestyles. Based on Antonovsky's Salutogenesis model which asserts that the experience of health moves along a continuum across the lifespan, we will identify the key drivers for achieving a Culture of Health. These include mindset/expectations, sense of community, and civic engagement. The present article discusses these drivers and identifies areas where policy and research actions are needed to advance positive change on population health and well-being. We highlight empirical evidence of drivers within the EU guided by the activities within the thematic Action Groups of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging (EIP on AHA), focusing on Lifespan Health Promotion and Prevention of Age-Related Frailty and Disease (A3 Action Group). We will specifically focus on the effect of Culture on Health, highlighting cross-cutting drivers across domains such as innovations at the individual and community level, and in synergies with business, policy, and research entities. We will present examples of drivers for creating a Culture of Health, the barriers, the remaining gaps, and areas of future research to achieve an inclusive and sustainable asset-based community.

Frailty as the Future Core Business of Public Health: Report of the Activities of the A3 Action Group of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA)

Background: The prevalence of frailty at population-level is expected to increase in Europe, changing the focus of Public Health. Here, we report on the activities of the A3 Action Group, focusing on managing frailty and supporting healthy ageing at community level. Methods: A three-phased search strategy was used to select papers published between January 2016 and May 2018. In the third phase, the first manuscript draft was sent to all A3-Action Group members who were invited to suggest additional contributions to be included in the narrative review process. Results: A total of 56 papers were included in this report. The A3 Action Group developed three multidimensional tools predicting short–medium term adverse outcomes. Multiple factors were highlighted by the group as useful for healthcare planning: malnutrition, polypharmacy, impairment of physical function and social isolation were targeted to mitigate frailty and its consequences. Studies focused on the management of frailty highlighted that tailored interventions can improve physical performance and reduce adverse outcomes. Conclusions: This review shows the importance of taking a multifaceted approach when addressing frailty at community level. From a Public Health perspective, it is vital to identify factors that contribute to successful health and social care interventions and to the health systems sustainability.