Turkish Journal of
GERIATRICS

Selçuk Üniversitesi Meram Tıp Fakültesi Fiziksel Tıp ve Rehabilitasyon Anabilim Dalı, KONYA
Selçuk Üniversitesi Meram Tıp Fakültesi Nefroloji Anabilim Dalı, KONYA Patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis are functionally limited by physical, emotional, and social factors. In this study, we aimed at comparing the functional and psychological states and quality of life of elderly hemodialysis patients with that of the controls. One hundred nine renal failure patients on hemodialysis and 40 controls included in study. Short Form-36, Symptom Checklist 90-R (SCL-90R) and Rivermead Mobility Index were used for assessment. Dialysis patients, compared with controls, reported significantly more disability (p<0.05). These patients had also higher depression scores (p<0.05). Dialysis patients reported lower quality of life than did controls (p<0.05). Disability and depression were significantly related in the dialysis patients. Older dialysis patients had lower health related quality of life scores. Physical disabilities in dialysis patients are common and lead to increased fraility and greater dependence on activities of daily living. Exercise should be design for dialysis patients properly. Even minimal attention to improving physical function results in significant benefit. Keywords : Elderly, Hemodialysis, Quality of life, Disability.