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Inflammatory markers and incident mobility limitation in the elderly
Brenda W J H Penninx1, Stephen B Kritchevsky, Anne B Newman
1Sticht Center on Aging, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. Brendap@ggzba.nl
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|June 24, 2004
Summary
Inflammation markers like IL-6, TNFalpha, and CRP predict mobility loss in older adults. Elevated inflammatory markers increase the risk of developing mobility limitations over 30 months.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mobility limitation is a significant concern for older adults.
- Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a factor in age-related decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between inflammation indicators and the development of mobility limitation in older individuals.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 2,979 adults aged 70-79 without baseline mobility limitation.
- Measured serum levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNFalpha, CRP) and soluble cytokine receptors.
- Assessed mobility limitation over 30 months.
Main Results:
- Higher levels of IL-6, TNFalpha, and CRP were associated with an increased risk of incident mobility limitation.
- The association was stronger with more severe limitations and multiple elevated markers.
- Findings persisted after excluding participants with cardiovascular disease or hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Inflammation is a significant predictor of incident mobility limitation in older adults.
- This relationship is independent of cardiovascular disease and severe illness.