The following is a summary of “A Comprehensive Review Of Geriatric Syndromes And Assessment In Older Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases,” published in the March 2025 issue of the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology by Calafat et al.

As the prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to rise among older adults, there is increasing recognition of the impact of geriatric syndromes on disease progression, treatment outcomes, and overall quality of life in this population. However, a comprehensive understanding of these syndromes and their implications in older patients with IBD remains limited. This systematic review aimed to critically examine the existing literature on frailty, functional status assessment, and other geriatric syndromes in older adults with IBD. Searching relevant studies addressing frailty, multimorbidity, polypharmacy, sarcopenia, fecal incontinence, physical function, falls, fatigue, social isolation, and cognitive impairment in older patients with IBD. The findings indicate that frailty is prevalent among patients with IBD across all age groups and is strongly associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including increased susceptibility to infections, diminished treatment response, and higher healthcare utilization. Importantly, evidence suggests that effective management of underlying inflammation may mitigate frailty-related complications. 

However, while frailty has been relatively well-studied, there remains a substantial gap in understanding the impact of other geriatric syndromes in older adults with IBD. The limited available data indicate that multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and sarcopenia contribute significantly to the disease burden, increasing the risk of hospitalization and complications. Additionally, fecal incontinence, reduced physical function, and falls have been linked to a decline in independence and overall well-being in this population. Furthermore, fatigue, social isolation, and cognitive impairment appear to negatively affect mental health and treatment adherence, exacerbating the disease burden. Given the complex interplay between IBD and aging-related conditions, a systematic approach to screening and managing geriatric syndromes is essential. 

Multidisciplinary interventions, including personalized treatment strategies, structured frailty assessments, and coordinated geriatric care, may improve clinical outcomes and enhance the quality of life in older adults with IBD. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying these associations and developing targeted interventions to address the unique needs of this vulnerable population.

Source: cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565(25)00187-9/abstract