Nutritional Status Of Older Adults Research Articles

Does nutritional status influence the effects of a multicomponent exercise programme on body composition and physical fitness in older adults with limited physical function?

ABSTRACT Physical exercise effects and ageing on fitness may be influenced by nutritional status. This study investigates the effects of a 6-month multicomponent exercise training (MCT) on nutritional status and evaluates if this type of exercise could affect differently body composition and physical fitness depending on the nutritional status of older adults with decreased functional capacity. Ninety-three participants (80.4 ± 6.0 y) were divided into control (n = 45) and intervention (n = 48) groups. The intervention consisted of a 6-month multicomponent training. Comparisons between changes in body composition and fitness during the 6-months were performed between individuals at risk of malnutrition and those well-nourished, according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Model mixed-effect analyses were used to investigate differences after the 6 months of MCT between groups. Well-nourished participants compared with those at risk of malnutrition had higher: arm (13.4 ± 3.5 vs 14.3 ± 33.6 repetitions) and leg strength (9.0 ± 3.0 vs 11.1 ± 3.3 repetitions), maximum walking speed (31.6 ± 13.1 vs 23.7 ± 6.3s), agility (11.9 ± 5.8 vs 8.3 ± 2.1s), and aerobic capacity (31.6 ± 13.1 vs 23.7 ± 6.3 m), at baseline. After the training, those without risk of malnutrition in CON decreased their nutritional status (−1.7 + 0.7 points). Those well-nourished that performed the intervention decreased total fat mass (−1.0 ± 0.3 kg) and body fat percentage (−1.2 ± 0.4%). Both groups of training improved similarly in all tests, except for balance, in which the well-nourished showed improvements of 6.3 ± 1.9s. These results underline the usefulness of MCT in improving physical fitness regardless of nutritional status and preventing nutritional status detriment in well-nourished older adults, who are fitter and benefit more, in terms of body composition. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03831841. Highlights Multicomponent exercise programme seems to be effective in delaying detriments in the nutritional status of well-nourished people. Well-nourished older people obtain more benefits in body composition from the multicomponent exercise than those at risk of malnutrition, decreasing adiposity. The positive effect of multicomponent exercise was observed in physical fitness independently of nutritional status.

The association between oral health and nutritional status in older adults: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis work aimed to describe the nutritional status of French older adults (age ≥ 90 years) and studied the association between oral health and nutritional status.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014 among the participants of a cohort on cerebral and functional aging in France at their 25-year follow up (the PAQUID cohort). Nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment [MNA]) and oral health status (number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth [DMFT], number of posterior occluding pairs, xerostomia [Xerostomia Inventory], and prosthetic rehabilitation) were recorded at the participants’ living places by two dentists. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore the association between oral health and nutritional status, with adjustments for potential confounders. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated with their 95% confidence interval (CI).Results87 participants were included in the analyses: 74.7% were females and the mean age was 94.1 years (± 3.0). Malnutrition or risk of malnutrition (MNA < 24) was present in 23 participants (26.4%), with only one having malnutrition. The mean DMFT score was 26.5 (± 5.3). The mean number of posterior occluding pairs was 1.5 (± 2.3). Twenty-one participants had xerostomia (24.1%). Only 8.1% of the participants had all their teeth or adequate dentures; 47.1% had inadequate dentures, while 44.8% had no dentures despite tooth loss. After adjustment, xerostomia (OR = 8.79; 95% CI = 2.38–39.10; p = 0.002) was found to be associated with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition.ConclusionBeing at risk of malnutrition was common among people ≥ 90 years old and was associated with xerostomia. NCT04065828.

Development of Functional Fitness Prediction Equation in Korean Older Adults: The National Fitness Award 2015-2019.

The main advantage of measuring functional fitness (FF) in older adults is that individual tests can estimate and track the rate of decline with age. This study aimed to develop a multiple linear regression model for predicting FF variables using easy-to-measure independent variables (e.g., sex, age, body mass index, and percent body fat) in Korean older adults. National Fitness Award datasets from the Republic of Korea were used in this analysis. The participants were aged ≥65 years and included 61,465 older men and 117,395 older women. The FF variables included the hand grip strength, lower body strength (30-s chair stand), lower body flexibility (chair sit-and-reach), coordination (figure of 8 walk), agility/dynamic balance (timed up-and-go), and aerobic endurance (2-min step test). An estimation multiple linear regression model was developed using a stepwise technique. In the regression model, the coefficient of determination in the hand grip strength test (adjusted R2 = 0.773, p < 0.001) was significantly high. However, the coefficient of determination in the 30-s chair stand (adjusted R2 = 0.296, p < 0.001), chair sit-and-reach (adjusted R2 = 0.435, p < 0.001), figure of 8 walk (adjusted R2 = 0.390, p < 0.001), timed up-and-go (adjusted R2 = 0.384, p < 0.001), and 2-min step tests (adjusted R2 = 0.196, p < 0.001) was significantly low to moderate. Our findings suggest that easy-to-measure independent variables can predict the hand grip strength in older adults. In future studies, explanatory power will be further improved if multiple linear regression analysis, including the physical activity level and nutritional status of older adults, is performed to predict the FF variables.

Frequent Snacks Improved Energy Intake and Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults at Risk of Malnutrition, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Background: Inadequate dietary intake and malnutrition are commonly found in older adults. They tend to have early satiety that limits intake from main meals. Some reports indicated that small frequent meals may promote higher intake. From that point of view, snacks may be useful. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of frequent snacks on energy intakes and nutritional status in older adults at risk of malnutrition. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted among older adults at risk of malnutrition in a suburban community from November 2020 to March 2021 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Two villages were randomly assigned to either a control group (n=17) or an intervention group (n=17), and they were matched pairs by age and gender. An intervention snack consisted of 2 desserts and a box of milk (total 548 kcal) was used. For the first 3 weeks, an intervention snack was provided every day although it was too heavy for some participants. Therefore, after that, the intervention snack was provided every other day for 4 weeks. A nutrition survey by the 24-hour recall method for 3 days, body weight, mid-arm circumference (MAC), triceps skinfold (TSF), and grip strength were assessed at weeks 3 and 7 as baseline. Results: Thirty-one participants completed the study (91%). The average age was 71.8±4.8 years, and body mass index (BMI) was 19.0±2.1 kg/m2 . In the intervention snack group, there was an increased daily energy intake by 316 kcal and 214 kcal at weeks 3 and 7, respectively, (P&lt;0.001, effect size: 0.884), with a body weight of 0.8 kg (P&lt;0.001, effect size: 0.314), BMI of 2% (P=0.009, effect size: 0.314), and MAC of 4% (P&lt;0.001, effect size: 0.265) compared with baseline, but such energy intake was not observed in the control group. Conclusion: Providing frequent snacks was an effective way to improve energy intake and nutritional status in community-dwelling older adults at risk of malnutrition.

Social Determinants of Health (Social Risk) and Nutritional Status Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Living in a Rural Setting: The Atahualpa Project.

Background:Several studies have attempted to clarify the role of social determinants of health (SDH) on nutritional status of older adults, but results are inconsistent due to differences in SDH assessments at different levels of population development. In this study, we assessed this association in community-dwelling older adults living in rural Ecuador. Methods: SDH were measured by the Gijon’s Social-Familial Evaluation Scale (SFES) and nutritional status by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®). Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between SDH components and nutritional status. Locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) and a generalized linear model were used to evaluate the potential non-linearity of the association between the Gijon’s SFES and MNA® scores.Results:A total of 295 individuals (mean age: 72.1 ± 7.6 years; 58% women) were enrolled. There was an inverse association between the total Gijon’s SFES and nutritional status (OR: 0.75; 95% C.I.: 0.65-0.86; P < .001). Three of five components of the Gijon’s SFES (family situation, social relationships, and support networks) were inversely associated with nutritional status in multivariate logistic regression models. A LOWESS plot, together with a generalized linear model, showed an inverse linear relationship between the continuous Gijon’s SFES and MNA® scores. One standard deviation of increase in the continuous Gijon’s SFES score (2.39 points) decreased the MNA® score by 0.78 points.Conclusion:Study results show a significant inverse association between high social risk and a good nutritional status. Components of the Gijon’s SFES measuring social isolation are responsible for this association.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PROXIMAL FEMORAL FRACTURES IN OLDER ADULTS AT THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN COTIA - SP, BRAZIL.

ABSTRACTObjective: To identify the epidemiological profile of older patients with proximal femoral fractures treated at the Hospital Regional de Cotia, SP - Brazil, and describe the nutritional status of these patients.Methods: Data were obtained from the electronic patient medical records from August 2020 to April 2021. The variables studied were age, gender, ethnicity, weight and height (for BMI calculation), and presence of comorbidities. Fracture circumstances were also assessed, including trauma mechanism, anatomical location, and treatment. Moreover, the nutritional profile of patients was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MAN).Results: Most patients were white women, with a mean age of 80 years and an average BMI of 23.55 kg/m2. Almost all patients suffered the fracture at home and the most common comorbidities were systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and Alzheimer’s disease. Most patients were considered to be malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.Conclusion: The nutritional status of older adults seems to be directly related to the risk of proximal fractures of the femur. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Study.

Yaşlılar için Beslenme Formu'nun Türkçeye Uyarlanması: Metodolojik Bir Çalışma

Objective: To establish the validity and reliability of the Nutrition Form for the Elderly (NUFFE), which is a new, inexpensive, useful, and easily applicable malnutrition assessment tool for the elderly. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on 150 individuals aged 65 and over living in the community. The questionnaire form containing NUFFE and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) form, which was validated and reliable in Turkish, was used to evaluate sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements as data collection tool. NUFFE is a form consisting of 15 items and 3 answer options for each question. The scale was first translated from English to Turkish by experts, and then reverse translated by different experts. Being evaluated by 10 experts with the Davis technique, the validity, reliability and internal consistency and correlation between MNA of the applied form were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the participants was 70.68±5.39 years. The suitability of the sample size for factor analysis was tested with Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and the value of 0.778. Due to the low factor loads in the explanatory factor analysis, three items (N6, N8, N14) were removed from the scale and the remaining 12-item were collected in two sub-dimensions. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of NUFFE-TR was found to be 0.741. A negative correlation was found between NUFFE-TR and total MNA scores (r=- 0.778; p<0.05). Conclusion: NUFFE-TR is a valid and reliable, simple, practical, and quick-to-apply form to assess the nutritional status of older adults living in Turkish society.

Food access, diet quality, and nutritional status of older adults during COVID-19: A scoping review

COVID-19 has imposed challenges for older adults to access food, particularly in minority, lower income, and rural communities. However, the impact of COVID-19 on food access, diet quality, and nutrition of diverse older adult populations has not been systematically assessed. The objective of this study is to examine changes in food access, diet quality, and nutritional status among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential differential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on these nutrition-related outcomes using the framework of the socio-ecological model. An electronic search was conducted using three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science) on March 7, 2021. Original, peer-reviewed English-language studies published 10/1/2019-3/1/2021 were considered for which the age of participants was 50 years and older (average age range 50-98). In order to be considered, studies must have examined food access, food security, or nutrition constructs as an outcome. The initial search yielded 13,628 results, of which 9,145 were duplicates. Of the remaining 4,483 articles, 13 articles were in scope and therefore selected in the final analysis, which can be characterized as descriptive (n=5), analytical (n=6), and correlational (n=2). Studies were conducted among community-dwelling older adult populations (n=7) as well as those temporarily residing in hospital settings (n=6) in 10 countries. More research is needed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on food access/security and the differential barriers experienced by older adult populations.

PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION/MALNUTRITION RISK AND RELEVANT FACTORS AMONG OLDER ADULTS

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and malnutrition risk of older adults, and identify socio-demographic and medical characteristics that affect the nutritional status of older adults in Konya city centrum. This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and July. Sociodemographic characteristics and medical history questionnaire prepared by researcher, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in order to answer objectively depression and cognitive disorder questions in MNA were applied with face-to-face interview method. A total of 276 individuals were included in the study. According to the MNA, malnutrition/malnutrition risk was found 39.5%, and 60.5% of the participants were found to have good nutritional status. In those who have at least one chronic disease, use at least one drug regularly, have 'depression' according to GDS, and have cognitive impairment according to MMSE, malnutrition and the risk of malnutrition were significantly higher. In conclusion, A significant proportion of the elderly was found to have malnutrition and malnutrition risk, and those with cognitive impairment and depression had a higher ratio of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition.

Nutrition assessment and geriatric associated conditions among free living elderly people in Birjand, East of Iran: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundFew data are available on the nutritional status of Iranian geriatric population. The present study aimed to determine the nutritional status of older adults’ population in Birjand, East of Iran.MethodsThe community-based cohort study was performed on older adults population (60 years and older) living in urban and rural areas of Birjand. The mini nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire was used to assess nutritional status. Anthropometric and biochemical evaluation were also performed for all of the participants.ResultsA total of 1417 geriatric person were enrolled in this study, which, most of them were female (51.9 %). According to MNA tool, most of the participants (73.3 %) had normal nutrition (MNA score ≥ 24). Malnourished (MNA score < 17) and at high risk of malnutrition (MNA score: 17- 23.5) were constituted 0.9 % and 25.8 % of the participants, respectively. Marital status, occupation, period of education and family member were associated with nutritional status. Multiple logistic regression showed that with increase of body mass index (BMI) (OR = 0.96), education years (OR = 0.95), hemoglobin (OR = 0.86) and lymphocyte (OR = 0.98), the odds of malnutrition decreased, but with increase of age the odds (1.03) of malnutrition is also elevated.ConclusionsMNA could successfully forecast the risk of malnutrition and malnourished people. Sociodemographic factors are associated with the nutritional status.

Associations between physical activity levels with nutritional status, physical fitness and biochemical indicators in older adults.

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major health concerns of all societies that is associated by an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this regard, we compared the anthropometric parameters, physical fitness (PF), lipid profile, and nutritional status of older adults with different levels of physical activity (PA). In this cross sectional study, 220 older people (age: 67.39±2.08yrs) according to their PA levels had been categorized at high (n=72), moderate (78) and low (n=70) PA groups. The International Physical Activity Questionnaires and food frequency questionnaire has been used to determine the PA and nutritional status, respectively. Waist and hip circumference, height, weight, and body mass index of subjects were measured and calculated. Both lower and upper body strength, flexibility, static and dynamic balance, and endurance performance factors were used to determine the level of PF. To assess blood biochemical factors, subjects were asked to visit the laboratory after 12h of fasting. The results showed waist circumference, hip circumference, and body fat percent were significantly lower in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P≤0.05). Upper body strength, lower body strength, static balance, dynamic balance flexibility and endurance were significantly better in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P≤0.05). Moreover, triglyceride was significantly lower in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P≤0.05). According to the post hoc results, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and fasting glucose were significantly better in the high PA group compared to the low PA group in both males and females (P≤0.05). All participants regardless PA levels showed insufficient consumption of zinc, calcium, vitamin E, and vitamin D (P≤0.05). On the other hand, carbohydrate, sodium, iron, vitamin C and niacin intake significantly above recommended dietary allowance (P≤0.05). The results of the current work showed that a higher level of PA improved anthropometric indicators, PF, and lipid profile in Iranian older adults. Moreover, older nutrition should be monitor to maintain their physical health and to prevent them from developing chronic diseases and their malnutrition complications.

Index of Nutritional Quality and Its Association With Serum High Sensitive C-reactive Protein Between Institutionalized and Non-institutionalized Older Adults in Tabriz: A Case-Control Study

Background and Aim: Older adults, particularly those living in nursing homes, are a vulnerable group whose poor nutritional status and inadequate nutrient intake provide the basis for the incidence of diseases and increase their health costs. The aim of the present study was to compare the Index for Nutritional Quality (INQ) between institutionalized (nursing-home) and non-institutionalized (community-living) older adults and to investigate its association with serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level in each group. Methods &amp; Materials: In this case-control, age- and gender-matched study in Tabriz (East Azarbaijan, Iran), o subjects aged 65 years and older were recruited from nursing homes (n=76) and community (n=88). Anthropometric parameters were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. A three-day record of the foods provided for the nursing home residents were weighed, using a digital scale. The whole food intake of older adults was converted to grams and dietary data were analyzed using Nutritionist IV software. Blood sample was drawn to measure serum hs-CRP level. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Ethical Considerations: The present research was approved at Research Ethical Committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (Code: TBZMED.REC.1394.152). Results: In the present study, INQ for all nutrients (except for vitamins A, D, E, biotin, vitamin B6, folic acid, and iron) was significantly different between the two groups (P‌&lt;0.05). The INQ&lt;1 for these nutrients (except for iron) in both groups indicates insufficient intake of these micronutrients. However, INQ for nearly all nutrients (other than selenium) was higher in the community-living older adults, compared to nursing-home residents (P&lt;0.05). The intake of minerals including calcium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc, chromium, sodium, and potassium was also insufficient in both groups. Nursing-home residents did not meet their estimated needs for vitamins B2, B12, and copper. A significant reverse association was observed for serum hs-CRP level and INQ for vitamin D (P=0.04) and calcium (P=0.038) in the community-living older adults after adjusting for BMI. Such a correlation was also reported between INQ for vitamin B12 and serum hs-CRP level in both groups (P=0.02). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to pay more attention to the nutritional status of older adults, especially those living in nursing-homes. A diet rich in micronutrients, especially vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B12 may help prevent the development of inflammation in old population.

Effectiveness of collaboration in older adults: do interprofessional teams improve nutritional status more compared to usual care?

Ageing is accompanied by many changes that make it more difficult for nutritional needs to be met. Management of malnutrition in older adults requires collaboration among multiple clinical disciplines. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of interprofessional collaboration and practice (IPCP) implementation for older adults with malnutrition compared to usual care. This was a quasi-experimental study using an untreated control group design with dependent pretest and posttest sample of older adults with malnutrition. The intervention group worked as a team to give the intervention based on their own roles and responsibilities. The older adults of the control group received usual care from primary health care. Outcome measurement of nutritional status used the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). The study results show significant differences between before and after IPCP implementation in the intervention group which had better scores of MNA after implementation. In the control group, there was no significant difference between before and after implementation of usual care. The statistical analysis showed there was a significant difference between the control and intervention groups who had improved nutritional status after IPCP implementation. IPCP had strong correlation with nutritional status based on correlation analysis. These results demonstrate that the collaboration by more than one health profession can improve nutritional status better than usual daily care. IPCP has a strong and significant correlation with the nutritional status in older adults. The IPCP implementation could significantly improve their nutritional status after the IPCP implementation compared to usual care.

Poor Sleep Quality Correlated Negatively with Physical Activity Level and Nutritional Status in Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes

Poor Sleep Quality Correlated Negatively with Physical Activity Level and Nutritional Status in Older Adults Living in Nursing Homes

Associations Between Dentition Status and Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract Objectives Older adults in the United States are at greater risk for tooth loss and malnutrition than those younger than 65 years. Prior research regarding associations between dentition status and nutritional status in older adults is heterogeneous. The primary aim of this study was to explore associations between dentition status and nutritional status in older adults. Methods This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of data from older adults (65–89 years) who received care at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine clinics between June 1, 2015 and June 1, 2020. Nutritional status was determined using Self Mini Nutritional Assessment (Self-MNA). Records were included if they had complete odontogram and Self-MNA data. Spearman rank correlation was performed to analyze the relationships between Self-MNA scores and number of teeth. Chi-square, Fisher's Exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine the associations between nutritional status category, number of remaining teeth categories, and presence of functional dentition defined as ≥21 teeth. Results Of the 305 records available, 53.8% were female. The median Self-MNA score was 13, indicative of normal nutritional status; 93.1% of the sample had some tooth loss (mean ± SD = 16.7 ± 8.8 teeth). Those who were at risk for or who had malnutrition had fewer teeth (P = 0.02) than those with normal nutritional status. Those with 20–28 teeth or functional dentition were significantly more likely to be of normal nutritional status (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively) than to be at risk of or have malnutrition, compared to those with fewer teeth. Those with fewer than 20 teeth had significantly lower Self-MNA scores than those with 20 or more teeth (P = 0.02). Conclusions Older adults who were at risk of or who had malnutrition had fewer teeth than those with normal nutritional status. Those with functional dentition were more likely to have a normal nutritional status than those without functional dentition. Future research in larger more diverse samples is needed to better understand the associations between dentition status and nutritional status. Funding Sources None

Pairs of natural teeth rather than use of dental prosthesis are associated with nutritional status in older adults: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between pairs of natural teeth and nutritional status among older adults. MethodsThis cross-sectional study evaluated a total of 569 home-dwelling adults from two southern Brazilian cities aged ≥60 years. Present teeth were counted, and pairs of natural teeth were defined as antagonistic teeth. Nutritional status was assessed using Mini Nutritional Assessment. Sociodemographic, behavioral, medical and dental history were collected. Sample was dichotomized into well-nourished and at nutritional risk (including at risk of malnutrition and malnourished). Multiple multivariate models were performed considering different categorizations of pairs of natural teeth. ResultsFor each number of present teeth, a decrease of 1.8 % in the prevalence ratio (PR) for nutritional risk was detected (p = 0.040). For each pair of natural teeth, there was 4.4 % decrease in PR for nutritional risk (95 % confidence interval [95 % CI]: 0.917 – 0.997). No statistically significant association was found for pairs of natural anterior teeth (p = 0.222). For pairs of natural premolar, molar and posterior teeth, reductions of 15.4 %, 22.8 % and 11.5 %, respectively, in PR for nutritional risk were observed (p < 0.05). The presence of at least two pairs of natural molars or three pairs of natural posterior teeth was significantly associated with nutritional risk (p < 0.05). ConclusionOlder adults with fewer teeth or pairs of natural teeth, especially posterior teeth, presented poorer nutritional status. Clinical significanceDemonstrating threshold correlation between natural teeth and nutrition, data showed significant association between at least two pairs of natural molars or three pairs of natural posterior teeth and lower nutritional status.

Nutritional screening and intervention of older adults living in the community referred by the My Aged Care online portal.

To assess whether nutritional screening and intervention improve the nutritional status of older adults living in the community. The Kiama MOW service performed nutrition screening, after being trained by the research team and maintained the dataset. De-identified data was provided to the research team for analysis. Meals on Wheels staff also kept detailed notes during the nutrition screening process and in discussions with clients. These notes were provided to the research team along with the de-identified quantitative data, a summary of the measures taken following screening, including interventions that were recommended to clients by MOW staff. Staff were not formally interviewed about their experiences in conducting nutrition screening but their open-ended text comments were retrospectively summarised, as well as anecdotal comments made to the research team who were involved in training and supporting the MOW team during the intervention period. Forty-one individuals (25 women, mean age=79.8±8.9years) were referred (21 well-nourished, 16 at risk of malnutrition and 4 malnourished). After reassessment (n=19), nutritional status had significantly improved (P=.008 for all referrals and P<.001 for those at risk of malnutrition or malnourished). The main interventions provided were as follows: nutrition education (100%), home-delivered meals (78%) and social outings including meals (17%). The My Aged Care portal may be a feasible source of referral of this population to perform routine nutrition screening for appropriate intervention.

Relação entre capacidade funcional, estado nutricional e variáveis sociodemográficas de idosos institucionalizados

Abstract Objective To analyze the relationship between functional capacity, nutritional status, and sociodemographic variables of older adults living in long-term care facilities. Method This is a cross-sectional study conducted with 82 institutionalized older adults. For data collection, we used the Barthel Index to assess the degree of independence in the performance of basic activities of daily living and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) to assess the nutritional status of older adults. Data were collected in five geriatric long-term care facilities located in southern Brazil. Ordinal regression analyses were performed to identify associations between contextual social factors, and nutritional status with the functional capacity of institutionalized older adults. Results Most participants showed complete independence in performing activities of daily living (39.0%) and poor nutritional status (59.8%). The multivariate ordinal regression analysis showed that older adults with higher scores in the nutritional assessment are associated with better indicators of functional capacity (OR=1.33; 95% CI=1.15 to 1.54; p&lt;0.001). We did not find an association between educational level, pressure injuries, body mass index, and functionality. Conclusion Nutritional status is a significant predictor for dependency in institutionalized older adults.

Malnutrition is associated with depression in Japanese older adults requiring long-term care or support.

[Purpose] To characterize depression related to nutritional status in older adults requiring long-term care. [Participants and Methods] One hundred and six individuals (66 males and 40 females) over the age of 65 who required support level 1/2 or care level 1 and were receiving day care through the long-term care insurance (LTCI) system, were enrolled. The survey items included basic attributes, comorbidities, previous medical history, requiring support/care under Japan’s LTCI system, the Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form, the Geriatric Depression Scale 15 (GDS-15), and body mass index (BMI). The factors associated with malnutrition/risk of malnutrition were evaluated. In addition, the relationship between nutritional status and the GDS-15 items was evaluated. [Results] Depression, LTCI, BMI, and gender were identified as related factors for malnutrition/risk of malnutrition. Compared with the favorable nutritional status group, the malnutrition/risk of malnutrition group reported GDS-15 items such as “Dropped activities and interests”, “Feel that life is empty”, “In good spirits most of the time (reversed)”, “Afraid of something bad”, “Prefer to stay at home”, and “Feel full of energy (reversed)”. [Conclusion] The results show certain parameters characteristic of depression in Japanese older adults with malnutrition requiring long-term care/support. These data will help guide future research and interventions.

Effect of Oral Health on Nutritional Status of Older Adults in a Rural Area

Effect of Oral Health on Nutritional Status of Older Adults in a Rural Area