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Distinguishing Comorbidity, Disability, and Frailty
Sara E Espinoza1,2,3, Myla Quiben4, Helen P Hazuda2,5
1The Department of Medicine, Divisions of Geriatrics, Gerontology & Palliative Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
Current Geriatrics Reports
|April 16, 2019
Summary
Multimorbidity, the presence of multiple chronic diseases, affects over half of older adults. It is linked to disability and frailty, predicting adverse health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Over 50% of U.S. older adults experience multimorbidity (two or more chronic diseases).
- Multimorbidity significantly overlaps with disability and frailty.
- These conditions are associated with adverse health outcomes in aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concepts of multimorbidity, disability, and frailty.
- To examine the interrelationships between these conditions.
- To assess their predictive ability for adverse health outcomes in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on multimorbidity, disability, and frailty.
- Analysis of the prevalence and interconnections of these conditions.
- Evaluation of their predictive value for health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of individuals with multimorbidity, disability, and frailty ranges from 2-20%.
- Multimorbidity patterns predict functional limitations, disability, healthcare utilization, and mortality.
- Predictive power is influenced by population characteristics, frailty, and disability.
Conclusions:
- Multimorbidity is a growing public health concern.
- It is closely associated with disability and frailty.
- Multimorbidity predicts adverse health outcomes in older adults.
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