The health status of the elderly patients in a St. Petersburg district : results of Crystal project

Gurina, N A [] Frolova, E V [] Degryse, Jean-Marie [UCL]

Using the "Crystal" study as an example of an epidemiological study that investigates global health of the elderly, the potential of a comprehensive geriatric assessment in primary care is illustrated. The results of the first cross-sectional data collection are presented in this paper with emphasis on the global health picture of the elderly; the average age was 75.08 +/- 5.96 years. In our study population one out of four participants was a male. Elderly mostly have a normal nutritional status with an average BMI of 28.6 +/- 4.94 kg/m2. On average, each participant has 2 +/- 1.27 pathologies, often cardiovascular. One out of four presents anemia. One third has symptoms of depression. In 44.4% of the patients a mild cognitive impairment was revealed. A more severe cognitive deficit was found in 26.2% of elderly. Every other old person has difficulties to keep balance in supine position for more than 10 seconds. One out of four elderly is partially dependent in their daily activity. Comprehensive geriatric assessment has the potential to identify priority issues in elderly health care and to inspire a management strategy. Further research is needed to create a simple instruments and an effective model to identify real health care needs of the elderly and to improve the quality of care and the successful collaboration between geriatricians and general practitioners.