A multi-dimensional questionnaire quantifying quality of life in elderly osteoporotic women: the Italian triple-Q osteoporosis study.

Background And Aims: In advanced age, the influence of vertebral fractures on quality of life extends well beyond the usual sequelae of osteoporosis. In order to intercept older subjects' distress associated with the clinical, functional, social and psychological consequences of the disease, we developed and validated a multidimensional instrument (the triple-Q questionnaire) tailored to older women with osteoporotic fractures. We also examined specific aspects of the questionnaire correlated with bone mineral density.

Emotional and psychological distress of persons involved in the care of patients with Alzheimer disease predicts falls and fractures in their care recipients.

Background/aims: Elderly patients with dementia have a higher risk of falls and fractures as compared to cognitively intact elderly subjects. To investigate whether psychological distress of the caregiver might predispose older persons with Alzheimer disease (AD) to falls and fractures, we performed a prospective cohort study.

Methods: A consecutive series of 110 subjects with dementia underwent baseline and follow-up clinical and functional evaluations.