The CGA Study: Development of an evidence based Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

Researcher

• 
  Professor
  Andrea B Maier

  Andrea.Maier@unimelb.edu.au

  View researcher's webpage

  + 61 3 8387 2137

Project Details

The CGA study is characterising older patients in different in and outpatient settings, e.g. geriatric inpatients treated at the Geriatric Evaluation and Management (GEM) Unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. The geriatric patients are assessed using the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment, performed as part of standard care. The CGA comprises a comprehensive series of questions characterising a patient's demographic, lifestyle, medical, cognitive, physical and psychological functioning. Patients are followed 3 and 6 months following discharge to assess clinically significant outcomes, including readmissions, morbidity and mortality. Blood samples are collected from patients who consent to the Biobank for future analysis. Characterisation of the patients will lead into future clinical trials investigating the effects of nutritional and exercise interventions to counteract physical decline and sarcopenia.

Researchers

• Prof Andrea Maier, @AgeMelbourne Center Leader
• A/Prof Kwang Lim, Clinical Director
• Dr Christina Phassouliotis, Research Coordinator
• Dr Camilla Tuttle, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
• Dr Esmee Reijnierse, Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
• Dr Claire Maddison, Geriatrician, PhD student

Funding

• Department of Medicine, the University of Melbourne, Medical Research Future Fund

Research Outcomes

1. Van Ancum JM, Scheerman K, Jonkman NH, Smeenk HE, Kruizinga RC, Meskers CGM, Maier AB. Change in muscle strength and muscle mass in older hospitalized patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Exp Gerontol. 2017 Jun;92:34-41.
2. Verlaan S, Van Ancum JM, Pierik VD, Svan Wijngaarden JP, Scheerman K, Meskers CGM, Maier AB. Muscle Measures and Nutritional Status at Hospital Admission Predict Survival and Independent Living of Older Patients - the EMPOWER Study. J Frailty Aging. 2017;6(3):161-166. doi: 10.14283/jfa.2017.23.
3. Waaijer MEC, Westendorp RGJ, Goldeck D, Gunn DA, Pawelec G, Stijntjes M, Slagboom PE, Maier AB. Assessment of health status by molecular measures in adults ranging from middle-aged to old: Ready for clinical use? Experimental Gerontology (2017) 18: 175-181 doi: 20.1016/j.exger.2016.03.020
4. Waaijer MEC, Parish WE, Strongitharm BH, van Heemst D, Slagboom PE, de Craen AJM, Sedivy JM, Westendrop RGJ, Gunn DA, Maier AB. The number of p16INK4a positive cells in human skin reflects biological age. Aging Cell (2012) 11: 722-72, doi: 10.1111/j.1474-9726.2012.00837.x