A study led by IDIAPJGol, and ICS concludes that the Fràgil-VIG index is an effective tool for identifying frailty and the risk of cognitive decline in elderly people receiving home care. The application of this index enables more personalized care tailored to each individual’s specific needs.

The research, published in the Revista Española de Geriatría y Gerontología, highlights the potential of this index to guide preventive interventions in primary care, thereby improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable people. The study, led by IDIAPJGol researcher Dr. Juan-José Zamora-Sánchez, a nurse at the Catalan Institute of Health, shows a moderate correlation between the Fràgil-VIG index and the widely used Pfeiffer test for detecting cognitive decline. Results indicate that the higher the degree of frailty according to Fràgil-VIG, the greater the likelihood of experiencing cognitive decline.

Benefits of Home Care

Home care provides essential benefits for the elderly, as it eliminates the need for travel and allows health professionals to assess the environment in which they live—a key factor in detecting frailty. However, it also presents limitations, such as the reliance on family caregivers and restricted access to some healthcare resources, factors that can affect the ability to intervene.

Complementary Tools

The Fràgil-VIG index, based on a comprehensive assessment of frailty, and the Pfeiffer test, aimed at evaluating cognitive decline, are complementary tools that address both physical and cognitive vulnerability in the elderly population. Using them together is essential for planning preventive care adapted to at-risk elderly individuals.

For this study, a cross-sectional methodology was used with 412 people included in a home care program. During home visits, primary care nurses administered both tools. Subsequently, the correlation between the two results was analyzed following COSMIN standards for validating measurement instruments.

Reference to the article

Zamora-Sánchez JJ, Zabaleta-Del-Olmo E, Pérez-Tortajada G, Amblàs-Novellas J. Validez convergente y discriminativa del índice Frágil-VIG con el test de Pfeiffer en personas atendidas en atención domiciliaria. Rev Esp