A Comprehensive Review of Geriatric Syndromes and Assessment in Older Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Abstract

Objective & Aims

Older patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) constitute an increasingly prevalent population. There is growing recognition of the prevalence and impact of geriatric syndromes on patients with IBD. We aimed to critically review available data on geriatric syndromes in patients with IBD.

Methods

An electronic systematic bibliographic search was performed in April 2024 using PubMed to identify relevant literature on frailty, functional status assessment, and geriatric syndromes among older adults with IBD.

Results

Frailty is prevalent among patients of all ages with IBD and is associated with worse outcomes. It is associated with an increased risk of infections but may be ameliorated through effective treatment of underlying inflammation. There is less understanding of other geriatric syndromes, such as multi-morbidity, polypharmacy, sarcopenia, fecal incontinence, physical function, falls, fatigue, social isolation, and cognitive impairment in older patients with IBD; existing data suggests an important negative impact of all these syndromes on older adults with IBD.

Conclusions

Geriatric syndromes are prevalent and negatively impact older patients with IBD. Systematic assessment for their presence and multidisciplinary interventions to improve them are important to improve outcomes of older adults with IBD.