Impact of malnutrition and its correction on mortality in older adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is associated with decreased levels of physical function, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of all-cause mortality, making it important to identify risk factors for malnutrition, especially in old age.

AIM: To identify factors associated with an increase and decrease in the risk of developing malnutrition, as well as to assess the impact of malnutrition and its correction on mortality in older adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study of a random sample of 611 people aged 65 years and older. Mini Nutritional Assessment, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, dynamometry, Barthel Index, chronic noncommunicable diseases, clinical blood count, C-reactive protein. 2 examinations, 9 years of total follow-up.

RESULTS: Risk factors for deterioration in nutritional status are decrease in emotional status (odds ratio 5.439; 95% confidence interval 2.794–10.588), progression of autonomy decline (odds ratio 2.428; 95% confidence interval 1.342–4.393), low physical function (odds ratio 2.877; 95% confidence interval 1.577–5.250). A high level of physical function reduces the risk of malnutrition by 64.1%. Malnutrition increases the risk of five-year mortality by 2.7 times. A normal nutritional status reduces the risk of nine-year mortality by 50.2%. Improve nutrition status leads to a lower risk of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: The main factors in the deterioration of nutritional status are a decrease in emotional status, loss of autonomy and a low level of physical function. Early detection of older adults with malnutrition and its correction can reduce the risk of mortality.

Keywords

malnutrition / depression / physical function / index Barthel / mortality

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Turusheva A.V.