A different outlook to consequences of anemia in older adults

Anemia is a common health issue in older adults with crucial consequences. We aimed to investigate the relationship of anemia with various components of geriatric syndromes.

A total of 486 older individuals aged 65 and over admitted to a university hospital were included in this cross-sectional study. According to WHO criteria, we defined anemia as hemoglobin concentration lower than 13 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL in women. The Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria were used to diagnose sarcopenia. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured by a hand dynamometer. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaires were used to evaluate functionality. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaires were also used.

Participants' mean age was 72.2 ± 6.4 years and 58.8% of them were female. Ninety-two of 486 patients were anemic and 64.1% of anemic patients were female. Anemic group had lower IADL, EQ-5D, HGS scores, and higher GDS scores. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, and anemia were found to be independent risk factors for dependency in IADL in both genders. Anemia, age, and depression were found to be independent risk factors for low HGS in women.

Anemia and depression are independent factors for low HGS in women, and anemia and age are independent factors for dependency on instrumental daily activities in older persons. Treating depression and raising Hb to optimal levels may be critical interventions to improve the health and life quality of people aged 65 and over, particularly in the female gender.