Aging with multimorbidity: A systematic review of the literature
Abstract
A literature search was carried out to summarize the existing scientific evidence concerning occurrence, causes, and consequences of multimorbidity (the coexistence of multiple chronic diseases) in the elderly as well as models and quality of care of persons with multimorbidity. According to pre-established inclusion criteria, and using different search strategies, 41 articles were included (four of these were methodological papers only). Prevalence of multimorbidity in older persons ranges from 55 to 98%. In cross-sectional studies, older age, female gender, and low socioeconomic status are factors associated with multimorbidity, confirmed by longitudinal studies as well. Major consequences of multimorbidity are disability and functional decline, poor quality of life, and high health care costs. Controversial results were found on multimorbidity and mortality risk. Methodological issues in evaluating multimorbidity are discussed as well as future research needs, especially concerning etiological factors, combinations and clustering of chronic diseases, and care models for persons affected by multiple disorders. New insights in this field can lead to the identification of preventive strategies and better treatment of multimorbid patients.
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Other consequences of polymorbidity include disability, functional decline, poor quality of life and higher healthcare costs.
“Other consequences of polymorbidity include disability, functional decline, poor quality of life (QoL) and higher healthcare costs [5].”
From ESPEN guideline on nutritional support for polymorbid medical inpatients (2023) · cites this paper as [5]
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- Authors
- Marengoni, A., Angleman, S., Melis, R., Mangialasche, F., Karp, A., Garmen, A., Meinow, B., & Fratiglioni, L.
- Affiliations
- Stockholm University (SE)
- Corresponding author
- Marengoni, Alessandra
- ORCID
- Venue
- Ageing Research Reviews
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2011-09
- Volume
- 10
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 430-439
- ISSN
- 1568-1637 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2122231459
- Cited by
- 3,092
- References
- 9
- Citations by year
- 2026: 238 · 2025: 248 · 2024: 313 · 2023: 251 · 2022: 315 · 2021: 331 · 2020: 293 · 2019: 223 · 2018: 189 · 2017: 171 · 2016: 155 · 2015: 130 · 2014: 112 · 2013: 70 · 2012: 42
- FWCI
- 8.76
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Ageing Research Reviews (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Institutional Research Information System (Università degli Studi di Brescia) (submittedVersion)
- Radboud Repository (Radboud University) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Chronic Disease Management Strategies
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Geriatrics and Gerontology › Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Geriatrics and Gerontology › Frailty in Older Adults
- Keywords
- multimorbidity, aging, older adults, chronic disease, prevalence, risk factors, disability, functional decline, quality of life, health care costs, mortality risk, models of care, socioeconomic status, sex differences
- MeSH terms
- Aging, Animals, Chronic Disease, Cross-Sectional Studies, Humans, Quality of Health Care, Quality of Life, Risk Factors, Comorbidity
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