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Anemia and decline in physical performance among older persons
Brenda W J H Penninx1, Jack M Guralnik, Graziano Onder
1Sticht Center on Aging, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157, USA. bpenninx@wfubmc.edu
The American Journal of Medicine
|August 2, 2003
Summary
Anemia in older adults is linked to a faster decline in physical function. This finding highlights anemia as a key risk factor for reduced mobility and performance in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Hematology
- Physical Medicine
Background:
- Anemia is common in older adults and may be treatable.
- The impact of anemia on physical function in the elderly is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if anemia increases the risk of physical function decline in older individuals.
- To measure changes in physical performance using objective tests.
Main Methods:
- A 4-year prospective cohort study of 1146 participants aged 71+.
- Anemia defined by World Health Organization (WHO) hemoglobin criteria.
- Physical function assessed via balance, walking speed, and chair rise tests.
Main Results:
- Anemia was associated with a significantly greater decline in physical performance over 4 years (2.3 vs. 1.4 points).
- This association persisted even after excluding participants with anemia-related diseases and adjusting for other factors.
- Borderline anemia also correlated with increased physical decline.
Conclusions:
- Anemia in old age is an independent risk factor for diminished physical performance.
- Addressing anemia may help preserve physical function in elderly populations.