Risk factors of functional decline during hospitalization in the oldest old

Background and aims : The number of hospital admissions of the elderly is increasing and hospitalization often leads to functional decline. The aim of this study was to identify major risk factors for functional decline in the hospitalized oldest old. Methods : Prospective, observational, non-randomized study of patients aged ≥80 years, admitted for at least two days to the University Department of Geriatric Medicine of Torino, Italy, between November 2003 and November 2004. For detection of functional decline, the ADL scale was used, referring to the number of dependent ADL. Results : At discharge, ADL mean scores were significantly higher than on admission (2.5±2 vs 2.3±1.9, p