Relationship between malnutrition and sarcopenia in elderly Turkish community-dwellers

Abstract

ObjectivesSarcopenia is frequently seen at older ages, with primary sarcopenia being associated with mitochondrial dysfunction or age-related decreases in sex hormones while other explanations include endocrine and neurodegenerative diseases. This study was planned and conducted to determine the relationship between malnutrition and sarcopenia in elderly Turkish community-dwellers. Material and methodsIn total, 173 community-dwelling elderly individuals were recruited from the capital city of Turkey. A questionnaire form was applied via face-to-face method and the MNA-SF and Barthel Index were administered. In addition, some anthropometric measurements were taken. ResultsBody mass (P<0.05) and body height (P<0.05) were higher in non-sarcopenic elderly individuals. Age was lower in non-sarcopenic elderly (P<0.05). In this study, while the prevalence of sarcopenia was 50.2% in the elderly, the prevalence of malnutrition risk was found to be 42.2%. MNA-score was found to be significantly lower in sarcopenic elderly individuals. There was a strong relationship between sarcopenia and malnutrition risk, but not with daily living activities. ConclusionThe prevalence of sarcopenia was much higher than prevalence of risk at malnutrition. In Turkey, there is no bioelectrical impedance analysis performed among such community-dwellers, so this is the first study not using BIA while screening for sarcopenia in elderly community-dwellers. This study suggests that current nutritional policies in Turkey should target elderly individuals living in communities to screen for nutritional status regularly and apply interventions quickly. In doing so, there is no need for expensive equipment.