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Serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, their relationship with baseline functional and cognitive status, and their utility in predicting mortality in nonagenarians
Author(s) -
Formiga Francesc,
Ferrer Assumpta,
Chivite David,
Pinto Xavier,
Cuerpo Sandra,
Pujol Ramón
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2010.00681.x
Subject(s) - medicine , baseline (sea) , cognition , gerontology , cholesterol , lipoprotein , high density lipoprotein , total cholesterol , psychiatry , oceanography , geology
Aim: Little is known about the role of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) in oldest‐old subjects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between HDL‐C levels and physical and cognitive performance indicators in nonagenarians, and also to determine the influence of HDL‐C levels on the 3‐year mortality risk. Methods: The data analyzed were taken from the NonaSantfeliu Study. Functional status was determined by the Lawton–Brody Index (LI) for instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and the Barthel Index (BI) for basic activities (BADL). Cognition was assessed using the Spanish version of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MEC). Results: The sample consisted of 49 women (79%) and 13 men, aged 94.3 ± 2.6 years. Mean HDL‐C levels were 60 ± 16 mg/dL, and 16 subjects (25.8%) had low HDL‐C values. HDL‐C levels did correlate with BI ( r = 0.28, P = 0.02) and LI ( r = 0.32, P = 0.01), but not with MEC ( r = 0.18, P = 0.15). Normal HDL‐C levels at baseline were significantly associated with higher BI scores ( P < 0.006, odds ratio [OR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.05) and a lower number of prescription drugs used ( P < 0.04, OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.49–0.99). Baseline HDL‐C levels were significantly lower among the group of nonagenarians who died within the 3 years of follow up ( P = 0.02). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, the association between HDL‐C and mortality lost significance. Conclusion: Higher levels of HDL‐C correlate with better functional status and less use of prescribed drugs in nonagenarians. However, the relationship between low HDL‐C levels and long‐term mortality in this population remains unclear. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 11: 358–364.