Transition of physical, psychological and cognitive frailty and its' associated determinants in Malaysian older adults: A 5 year follow-up study

INTRODUCTION: Frailty, a multifaceted syndrome, affects approximately 26% of older adults globally, yet there is limited data on the prevalence and longitudinal impact of frailty subtypes. Therefore, in this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of physical, psychological, and cognitive frailty, transitions between subtypes, and associated health determinants among Malaysian community-dwelling older adults.

METHOD: This study is part of the longitudinal ageing study in Malaysia (LRGS Ageless and TUA). We assessed 815 older adults in 2014, with successful follow-up of 402 participants (mean age: 67.08±5.38 years) after 5 years. Frailty subtypes were assessed at baseline, and transitions were evaluated at the 5-year mark.

RESULTS: At baseline, the prevalence of older adults categorised as robust, physical frailty, cognitive frailty, and psychological frailty was 26.7%, 36.3%, 12.1%, and 16.7%, respectively, with 8.1% exhibiting concurrent psychological and cognitive frailty. Follow-up results showed that 22.9% remained robust, 46.8% experienced no change, 24.9% deteriorated (adversed), and 5.5% improved (reversed). Logistic regression analysis identified living alone ( p<0.001), increased body fat percentage p<0.05), increased waist circumference (p<0.05), reduced fat-free mass (p<0.05), decreased lower limb flexibility (p<0.05), and declined cardiorespiratory fitness (p<0.05) as significant predictors of frailty deterioration. Higher Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and improved Timed Up and Go and Chair Stand test results (p<0.05) were significantly associated with the reversal of frailty subtypes. (p<0.05). Younger older adults (p<0.001), males (p<0.05), those with lower WHO Disability Scale scores (p<0.05), and higher MMSE scores (p<0.05) were significantly less likely to develop frailty subtypes.

CONCLUSION: Intervention strategies that focus on combined physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functions are crucial for both reversing and preventing the progression of frailty subtypes in older adults.