HANDGRIP STRENGTH AND SOME RELATED FACTORS IN OLDER PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA

Viết Lực Trần1,2, Ngọc Tâm Nguyễn, Thị Thu Hương Nguyễn
1 Trường đại học Y Hà Nội
2 Bệnh viện Lão khoa Trung ương

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Abstract

Objectives: to determine the rate of decreased handgrip strength and some related factors in older patients with dementia. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study on 87 patients ≥ 60 years old diagnosed with dementia examined and treated at the National Geriatric Hospital from May to November 2021. Handgrip strength was measured using the Jamar TM Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. Some geriatric syndromes were assessed: polypharmacy, nutritional status, cognitive function, depression, fall risk, sleep disturbances, functional activity, and urinary incontinence. Results: The rate of decline in handgrip strength was 58.6%. The average age of the group with reduced handgrip strength was statistically significantly higher than that of the group with normal handgrip strength. The rate of decline in handgrip strength in the group with diabetes was higher than that in the group without diabetes. There was a statistically significant difference between reduced handgrip strength and polypharmacy, high risk of falls, and impaired daily functioning (Barthel index). There was no statistically significant difference between dementia classification, dementia stage, and duration of memory impairment. Conclusions: The rate of decline in handgrip strength was quite high and was related to advanced age, diabetes, and some geriatric syndromes such as polypharmacy, high risk of falls, and decline in activities of daily living.

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