Patterns of multimorbidity in 4588 older adults: implications for a nongeriatrician specialist

Multimorbidity has been recognized as an important factor in geriatric medicine. However, its importance for other specialists is still to be fully appreciated.

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity in older patients drawn from the general population.

The PolSenior was a nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional survey of aged population in Poland. Questionnaire, physical examination, and laboratory data were gathered. Multimorbidity was defined as a coexistence of 2 and more chronic diseases or medical problems out of 17 identified. Factor analysis was employed to identify clusters of conditions.

Of 4588 patients, 51.9% were men; 640 were aged 55 to 59 years; 3948, ≥65 years; and 1757, ≥80 years. Multimorbidity depended on age and sex, and was diagnosed in 70.9% of those aged 55 to 59 years, 88.4% of those aged 65 to 79 years, and 93.9% of those aged ≥80 years. Only 8.5% of participants aged 55 to 59, 2.2% aged 65 to 79 years, and 0.9% aged ≥80 years had no diagnosis of chronic disease. Hypertension, metabolic diseases, and obesity predominated in those aged 55 to 59 and 65 to 79 years, whereas hypertension, eye disorders, and cognitive impairment prevailed in the oldest group. The highest likelihood of multimorbidity was found in the youngest participants who had stroke, kidney disease, cancer, or a composite of Parkinson disease / epilepsy; in 65-to-79-year-olds with a history of stroke; and in ≥80-year-olds with a history of stroke or heart failure.

The age-specific analysis of clustering revealed differences in prevalence and patterns of comorbidities, which stresses the importance of individual approach to older patients.