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Publication
Frailty in the elderly after COVID-19: a pilot study
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Introduction: Frailty is a better predictor of COVID-19 evolution and outcome than age or comorbidities, however, it is unclear whether frailty is a risk factor or a consequence in the elderly after COVID-19. Objective: To compare frailty levels between elderly after COVID-19 and those with unknown COVID-19 diagnoses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the community. Handgrip strength and the Frailty Index (Clinical Fragility Scale) were assessed in 25 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 for less than 6 months, and in an equal number of elderly participants with the same characteristics without a known diagnosis of CoViD-19. Results: The elderly with a diagnosis of COVID-19 for less than 6 months presented increased Frailty Index (p=0.026). No differences regarding handgrip strength were found. Conclusions: Significant changes were found in frailty levels in elderly patients diagnosed with COVID-19 for less than 6 months when compared with elderly individuals without a diagnosis of COVID-19. These results may indicate that COVID-19 could increase frailty levels in elderly patients.
Description
Keywords
COVID-19 Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Frailty Elderly
Citation
Pereira FA, Tomás MT. Frailty in the elderly after COVID-19: a pilot study. In: 15th International Conference on Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle Wasting, Lisbon (Portugal), June 24-26, 2022. poster 2-05.