Functional dependency was consistently associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in older adults, with odds ratios ranging from 1.47 to 1.56.
Cohort (n=190,249)
Yes
Does functional dependency increase the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in older people?
Functional dependency is significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in older adults, partially mediated by hypertension and depressive symptoms.
Effect estimate: OR 1.47-1.56 (95% CI 1.33-1.63 to 1.42-1.73)
Abstract Background The impact of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) on functional dependency (FD) is well established, but the temporal effect of FD on CMM and its mechanisms remain underexplored. Design A multicohort study pooled data from three international cohorts. Setting Data were sourced from the Health and Retirement Study (USA), the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (China) and the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in 18 European countries. Methods FD was defined as the inability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) independently. CMM was defined as the co-occurrence of two or three cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Generalised estimating equation models assessed associations between FD and CMM, with mediation analysis using the Karlson, Holm and Breen method to explore the effects of hypertension and depressive symptoms. Sensitivity analyses ensured robustness. Results The final cohort included 157 512 and 190 249 individuals for ADL and IADL analyses, respectively. CMM prevalence was 18.97% and 16.65% in these groups. FD was consistently associated with higher CMM risk, with odds ratios ranging from 1.47 (95% confidence interval: 1.33–1.63) to 1.56 (1.42–1.73). Hypertension and depressive symptoms increased CMM risk, particularly at higher FD levels. Mediation analysis showed hypertension and depressive symptoms accounted for 8.01%–16.43% and 12.04%–18.36% of the adverse effect of FD on CMM, respectively, with more pronounced effects among smokers and heavy drinkers. Conclusions Targeted interventions focusing on hypertension, mental wellness, lifestyle factors, and integrated treatments for FD are crucial to prevent CMM in older adults.
Bai et al. (Thu,) conducted a cohort in Cardiometabolic multimorbidity and functional dependency (n=190,249). Functional dependency vs. No functional dependency was evaluated on Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) risk (OR 1.47-1.56, 95% CI 1.33-1.63 to 1.42-1.73). Functional dependency was consistently associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in older adults, with odds ratios ranging from 1.47 to 1.56.