Association of Physical Frailty with Cognitive Function and Mood in Older Adults without Dementia and Depression.

Aim & Background: Physical frailty is thought to be related with a decline in cognitive function, mood, and social activities, especially in patients with depression and dementia. It is not clear whether or not physical frailty is associated with an impairment in cognitive function and mood in patients without dementia and depression. In this study, we evaluated the association of physical frailty with cognitive function and mood in geriatric patients without dementia and depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, 612 patients aged 65 years and over were evaluated. Physical frailty was assessed by using Fried criteria. Furthermore, comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed to each patient. RESULTS Median age of the patients was 72 years (min-max: 65-93), 58% were female, and 6.5% were frail. Clock drawing (p<0.001), MMSE (p<0.001), and Yesevage Geriatric Depression Scale (p=0.010) test results were worse in frail patients compared to pre-frail and robust ones. Age (p=0.009), being university graduate (p=0.031), three words recall test (p=0.014), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (p=0.006), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) (p<0.001), and MNA-SF(p=0.001) scores were determined to be independent related factors of frailty. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated that cognitive function and mood might be associated with physical frailty in patients without dementia and depression.