Impairments of vision and hearing are common in this frail older outpatient population. Functional status, as measured by IADL and ADL scores, is diminished for sensory impaired subjects. Combined vision and hearing impairments have a greater effect on function than single sensory impairments and influence functional status independent of mental status and comorbid illness. Overall, these results suggest that interventions to improve sensory function may improve functional independence.

No abstract

The NEI VFQ-25 demonstrated good reliability and construct validity as a measure of vision-related functioning outcomes in patients with AMD.

Alcohol abuse among older people is common and occurs more frequently among men. It is associated with cognitive impairment and independently with short-term mortality. Physician screening for alcohol abuse can yield a group of older people at risk for adverse health outcomes.

A MGAT can target rural dwelling, frail older persons, perform in-home CGA, and develop an intervention strategy. Although the intervention did not prolong life or delay institutionalization, clinically important benefits were observed.