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01-06-2015 | Original Article

Frailty, cognitive impairment, and functional disability in older women with female pelvic floor dysfunction

Authors: Elisabeth A. Erekson, Terri R. Fried, Deanna K. Martin, Thomas J. Rutherford, Kris Strohbehn, Julie P. W. Bynum

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 6/2015

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating frailty as an important predictor of surgical outcomes in older adults undergoing major surgeries. The age-related onset of many symptoms of female pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in women suggests that many women seeking treatment for PFD may also have a high prevalence of frailty, which could potentially impact the risks and benefits of surgical treatment options. Our primary objective was to determine the prevalence of frailty, cognitive impairment, and functional disability in older women seeking treatment for PFD.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with prospective recruitment between September 2011 and September 2012. Women, age 65 years and older, were recruited at the conclusion of their new patient consultation for PFD at a tertiary center. A comprehensive geriatric screening including frailty measurements (Fried Frailty Index), cognitive screening (Saint Louis University Mental Status score), and functional status evaluation for activities of daily living (Katz ADL score) was conducted.

Results

Sixteen percent (n/N = 25/150) of women were categorized as frail according to the Fried Frailty Index score. After adjusting for education level, 21.3 % of women (n/N = 32/150) screened positive for dementia and 46 (30.7 %) reported functional difficulty or dependence in performing at least one Katz ADL. Sixty-nine women (46.0 %) chose surgical options for treatment of their PFD at the conclusion of their new patient visit with their physician.

Conclusions

Frailty, cognitive impairment, and functional disability are common in older women seeking treatment for PFD.

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Title: Frailty, cognitive impairment, and functional disability in older women with female pelvic floor dysfunction
Authors: Elisabeth A. Erekson
Terri R. Fried
Deanna K. Martin
Thomas J. Rutherford
Kris Strohbehn
Julie P. W. Bynum
Publication date: 01-06-2015
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 6/2015
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-014-2596-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Frailty, cognitive impairment, and functional disability in older women with female pelvic floor dysfunction

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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