Exploring geriatric syndromes among physically disabled older adults: A network analysis

Abstract

Objective

To explore the network structure of common geriatric syndromes and conditions in physically disabled older adults.

Methods

We chose fourteen common geriatric syndromes and conditions from the dataset and estimated networks with the partial correlation network method. We tested the stability and accuracy of the network using the package “bootnet” in R software.

Results

The common geriatric syndromes and conditions were positively connected within the network, and strong connections emerged between chronic pain and dyspnea, and urinary incontinence and vision impairment. Polypharmacy, chronic pain, cognitive impairment and urinary incontinence were strongly and directly connected with the network.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals, caregivers, and older adults should pay more attention to the occurrence and development of these four syndromes as well as the interactions between the different syndromes during intervention planning. Interventions targeting multiple geriatric syndromes or a factor common to various syndromes may be more feasible and more effective.