Dementia, Comorbidity, and Physical Function in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Conclusions: Ambulatory PACE participants have average levels of physical function that are dangerously close to thresholds thought to indicate vulnerability for further disability development, hospitalization, and nursing home admission. Both dementia and comorbidity burden are associated with declines in physical function, and the interaction between these risk factors is a telling indicator to functional decline in higher-level ambulatory tasks. PACE program clinicians can use this information to better identify participants at risk for limited physical function. Further research should investigate consequences of functional decline and determine optimal intervention strategies for PACE participants with functional impairments.
Source: Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy - Category: Physiotherapy Tags: Research Reports Source Type: research