Frailty and functional dependence in older population: lessons from the FREEDOM Limousin – Nouvelle Aquitaine Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Monitoring frailty indicators in elderly people is recommended to identify those who could benefit from disability prevention programs. To contribute to the understanding of the development of frailty in the elderly, we have created the FREEDOM-LNA cohort constituting an observational study of ageing in general population. Here, we described the characteristics of a cohort of elderly subjects who are followed for determination of frailty and loss of independence trajectories. RESULTS: The cohort was composed of 1085 subjects in advanced age (mean: 83.7 ± 6.0 years) and of women in majority (68.3%). Cardiovascular risk factors were present in 88.4% of subjects. Abnormal musculoskeletal signs were reported in 44.0% and neurologic signs in 31.9%. There were 44.8% of subjects at risk of malnutrition (MNA <24) and 73.3% (668/911) at risk of mobility-related disability (SPPB ≤9); 39% (384/973) of subjects had impaired cognitive function (MMSE< 24, adjusted on education) and 49.0% (397/810) had signs of depression (GDS >9); 31.8% (240/753) were frail and 58.3% were pre-frail. Most subjects had at least one disability in ADL (66.9%) and IADL (85.1%). The SMAF indicated a loss of independence in 59.6%. Overall, 59.9% of subjects could not stay at home without at least some help. Consequently, a medical consultation was proposed in 68.2 and 42.1% social supports. CONCLUSIONS: A large part of this cohort was frail or pre-frail and presented signs of loss of independence, which may be explained by multiple factors including impaired health status, poor physical performance, cognition, isolation, depression, or nutrition. This cohort will help to determine factors that adversely influence the trajectory of physical frailty over time. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-02834-w.