Sensory deficits and frailty syndrome in older adults

BACKGROUND: Sensory impairments are included in screening instruments for frailty, are highly prevalent among older adults, but have been scarcely analyzed among patients with frailty syndrome. AIM: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of frailty depending on the presence of sensory deficits in older age. METHODS: The study included 354 patients. Frailty was assessed using the Fried Frailty Phenotype scale. Sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and behavioral data were collected. Analyses were performed using Statistica 10.0. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. RESULTS: Sensory difficulties were most frequently reported (58.1%), followed by cognitive, physical, and nutritional impairments (15.3%, 12.7%, and 1.9%, respectively). The prevalence of frailty syndrome was 19.5% (95% CI 15.2%–23.5%). Most participants in whom frailty syndrome was identified reported problems with vision or hearing. Frailty syndrome was associated with female sex, older age, very poor perceived health, depression, low body weight (body mass index ≤ 18.5 kg/m2), and a higher burden of comorbidity. CONCLUSION: Incorporating sensory deficits into the definition of frailty significantly increases the number of identified individuals with this syndrome.