scholarly journals The Relationship between Nutritional Status and Functional Capacity: A Contribution Study in Institutionalised Portuguese Older Adults

Author(s):  
Catarina Caçador ◽  
Edite Teixeira-Lemos ◽  
Jorge Oliveira ◽  
João Pinheiro ◽  
Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo ◽  
...  

Demographic aging of the population allied with the new family structures and societal dynamics is generating an increasing demand for institutions for older adults. Nutritional status is a key health determinant that impacts the quality of life among older adults. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status and nutritional risk, functional capacity, and cognition in institutionalised Portuguese older adults by a cross-sectional study in 15 institutions. Nutritional status (body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), nutritional risk (mini nutritional assessment (MNA)), degree of functional independence (Barthel index (BI)), and cognitive ability (mini mental state examination (MMSE)) were assessed. Of the 214 older adults evaluated, 28.0% were at risk of malnutrition, 69.6% were mildly functional dependent, and 39.3% presented minor cognitive impairment. The risk of malnutrition increased functional dependence and cognitive impairment. The MNA score, but not the BMI or WC, was related to disability and deficits in cognition. A differential interdependence was found between nutritional, cognitive, and functional status. Strategies to improve self-care and well-being in nursing homes should consider a correct diet and a closer evaluation of nutritional risk to preserve cognition, independence, and autonomy.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S113-S113
Author(s):  
Diana DiGasbarro ◽  
Kimberly Van Haitsma ◽  
Suzanne Meeks ◽  
Benjamin T Mast

Abstract Dispositional optimism may be an important resource for well-being across the lifespan. However, the relationship between optimism and quality of life in recent nursing home residents with and without cognitive impairment has not been examined. The aim of this study is to fill this gap in a sample of 66 older adults with a mean age of 74.59 years old (SD=10.37) who were admitted to a nursing home within the previous 30 days. Sixty older adults completed measures of cognition, quality of life, and optimism, and thus were included in analysis for the current study. Participants were split into groups based on the presence or absence of cognitive impairment, and linear regressions were conducted to examine the relationship between optimism and quality of life. In recent nursing home residents without cognitive impairment (n=30), optimism did not predict quality of life and accounted for a very small amount of variance (R2=.042, p=.280). However, in recent nursing home residents with cognitive impairment (n=32), optimism accounted for 20.9% of the variance in quality of life (R2=.209, p=.009). Higher levels of optimism were associated with better quality of life. Future research should explore why a stable trait like dispositional optimism is a stronger predictor of quality of life in recent nursing home residents with cognitive impairment compared to those without cognitive impairment. This line of research would be synergistic with emerging research on the identification and encouragement of strengths in older adults with cognitive impairment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelhafid Benksim ◽  
Rachid Ait Addi ◽  
Elhassania Khalloufi ◽  
Aziz Habibi ◽  
Mohamed Cherkaoui

Abstract Background As the world’s population ages and people live longer, it seems important to ensure that older people have a good quality of life and positive subjective well-being. The objective of this study is to determine socio-economic, health and nutritional characteristics of institutionalized and non-institutionalized elders in the province of Marrakech. Methods This study was conducted among 368 older adults in the province of Marrakech between March 2017 and June 2019. Of all participants, 180 older adults reside in a public institution and 188 of them live in their own homes. Data on health conditions, nutritional status, functional and socio-economic characteristics were collected. Data was analyzed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 16.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Institutionalized elders were illiterate (80.0%), had low incomes (95.5%), and unmarried (73.3%), they reported also no children (56.1%) and no health insurance (98.9%). Institutional residents suffered from malnutrition (22.2%), hearing impairments (35.6%) and severe edentulism (43.3%). There was no significant difference between both groups on daily activities and depression. A multivariate analysis identified a model with three significant variables associated with non-institutionalized elders: health insurance (P = 0.001; OR = 107.49), number of children (P = 0.001; OR = 1.74) and nutritional status (p = 0.001; OR = 3.853). Conclusions This study shows that the institutionalization of older adults is considerably induced by various factors such as nutritional problems, lack of health insurance and family structure. To mitigate the effects of this phenomenon, home care strategies and preventive actions should be implemented to delay the institutionalization of older adults and therefore keep them socially active in their own homes.


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A67-A67
Author(s):  
Sonya Kaur ◽  
Katalina McInerney ◽  
Mitchell Slugh ◽  
Annelly Bure ◽  
Marina Sarno ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Frailty, a multidimensional construct of decreased reserve is an important predictor of functional independence and quality of life in older adults. There is a growing body of evidence highlighting reduced sleep efficiency and sleep duration predicts frailty in older adults. However, the sex differences in these relationships have been understudied. Methods 253 participants (163) ranging in age from 50-92 years (mean= 67.59 years, S.D.= 9.22 years), underwent frailty assessment and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Statistical moderation was assessed using nonparametric bootstrapping. All models statistically controlled for age, education and depression status. Results Higher scores on the PSQI predicted higher levels of fatigue (β=1.87, 95% CI= 0.48-3.27) and higher grip strength with the left hand (β= 0.81, 95% CI= 0.85-1.53). These relationships were significantly moderated by sex (β=-0.77, p=0.05 & β=-0.52, p=0.01). Specifically, high scores on the PSQI predicted more fatigue stronger grip strength in men (β=1.11, 95% CI=0.41-1.81) and weaker grip strength in women (β=-0.25, 95% CI=-0.51--0.02). There was no association between scores on the ESS and any of the frailty measures. Conclusion The relationships between PSQI scores and measures of fatigue and grip strength were statistically moderated by sex. These differences are not explained by sex differences in overall sleep quality or baseline frailty. This is consistent with the literature emphasizing sex differences in the effects of risk/lifestyle factors. It is possible that the relationship between sleep quality and frailty is altered by additional hormonal factors and warrant further investigation. Support (if any) This research was supported by the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Research Foundation


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Muhammad ◽  
Shobhit Srivastava ◽  
T. V. Sekher

Abstract Background Greater cognitive performance has been shown to be associated with better mental and physical health and lower mortality. The present study contributes to the existing literature on the linkages of self-perceived income sufficiency and cognitive impairment. Study also provides additional insights on other socioeconomic and health-related variables that are associated with cognitive impairment in older ages. Methods Data for this study is derived from the 'Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India'. The final sample size for the analysis after removing missing cases was 9176 older adults. Descriptive along with bivariate analyses were presented to show the plausible associations of cognitive impairment with potential risk factors using the chi-square test. Also, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to provide the relationship between cognitive impairment and risk factors. The software used was STATA 14. Results About 43% of older adults reported that they had no source of income and 7.2% had income but not sufficient to fulfil their basic needs. Older adults with income but partially sufficient to fulfil their basic needs had 39% significantly higher likelihood to suffer from cognitive impairment than older adults who had sufficient income [OR: 1.39; OR: 1.21–1.59]. Likelihood of cognitive impairment was low among older adults with asset ownership than older adults with no asset ownership [OR: 0.83; CI: 0.72–0.95]. Again, older adults who work by compulsion (73.3%) or felt mental or physical stress due to work (57.6%) had highest percentage of cognitive impairment. Moreover, older adults with poor self-rated health, low instrumental activities of daily living, low activities of daily living, low subjective well-being and low psychological health were at increased risk for cognitive impairment. Conclusion The study highlights the pressing need for care and support and especially financial incentives in the old age to preserve cognitive health. Further, while planning geriatric health care for older adults in India, priority must be given to financially backward, with no asset ownership, with poor health status, older-older, widowed, and illiterate older individuals, as they are more vulnerable to cognitive impairment.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 722
Author(s):  
Yusuke Ito ◽  
Hidetaka Wakabayashi ◽  
Shinta Nishioka ◽  
Shin Nomura ◽  
Ryo Momosaki

The object of this study is to determine the impact of the rehabilitation dose on the nutritional status at discharge from a convalescent rehabilitation ward in malnourished patients with hip fracture. This retrospective case-control study involved malnourished patients with hip fracture aged 65 years or older who had been admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward and whose data were registered in the Japan Rehabilitation Nutrition Database. The primary outcome was nutritional status at discharge. Patients were classified according to whether nutritional status was improved or not at discharge, according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form® (MNA-SF) score. The association between improved nutritional status and rehabilitation dose was assessed by a logistic regression analysis. Data were available for 145 patients (27 men, 118 women; mean age 85.1 ± 7.9 years). Daily rehabilitation dose was 109.5 (median 94.6–116.2) min and the MNA-SF score at admission was 5 (median 4–6). Nutritional status was improved in 97 patients and not improved in 48. Logistic regression analysis showed the following factors to be independently associated with nutritional status at discharge: Functional Independence Measure score (OR 1.042, 95% CI 1.016–1.068), energy intake (OR 1.002 CI 1.000–1.004), daily rehabilitation dose (OR 1.023, 95% CI 1.002–1.045), and length of hospital stay (OR 1.026, 95% CI 1.003–1.049). The daily rehabilitation dose in malnourished patients with hip fracture may positively impact nutritional status at discharge.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 16-16
Author(s):  
Sungsim Lee

Abstract This presentation describes a supportive mindfulness practice for caregivers of older adults based on the principles of Won Buddhism (an integrative, a modernized Buddhism). As the aging population grows, there is a significant increase in recognition of the negative impact of caregiver stress on older adults’ quality of life. The ability for caregivers to deal compassionately with stress is essential, as caring for older adults can awaken feelings about one’s own vulnerability and mortality. The ‘Mindful Gratitude Practice’ offers a way to cope with stress, cultivate self-care, and improve the care of others. Relevant research will be summarized, which shows mindfulness and gratitude practice respectively benefit positive influence in both physical and emotional well-being. Mindful Gratitude Practice as a spiritual approach that fosters caregivers' emotional stability, reduces their stress and improves the relationship between older adults and their caregivers. In this presentation, three processes of Mindful Gratitude Practice will be described: 1. Understanding a mindfulness practice by establishing intention, attention, and attitude, 2. Learning the principles of a gratitude practice and implementation, and 3. Incorporating mindfulness into a gratitude practice. Research results have demonstrated that through this learning process, caregivers have acquired the concept of interconnectedness, experience grateful moments, and a deep feeling of appreciation in their caregiving relationships. The presenter will guide participants in a short experience of Mindfulness Gratitude Practice. Further readings and resources will be provided for those who are interested.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S71-S71
Author(s):  
Eleanor S McConnell ◽  
Kirsten Corazzini ◽  
T Robert Konrad

Abstract Although the impact of dementia on the health and well-being of those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and related Disorders (ADRD) and their care partners has been widely studied, less attention has been paid to how the disease impacts individuals within the context of their larger social networks. This symposium presents findings from a series of integrated studies aimed at strengthening measurement of health and well-being among older adults with living with dementia and well-being among members of their social networks. Findings will be presented from five studies: (1) a scoping review of social network measurement in older adults in chronic illness, including dementia, that emphasizes the use of technology in measuring older adults’ social networks; (2) a simulation study to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of sensor technology to measure social interaction among a person living with dementia and others in their immediate surroundings; (3) development of a web-based application that allows older adults to map and activate their social networks; (4) a qualitative analysis of interviews from persons living with dementia, their unpaid caregivers, and paid caregivers from an adult day health program concerning well-being focused outcomes; and (5) a mixed methods analysis of the feasibility of using both traditional and novel measures of health and well-being deployed among networks of people living with dementia. Emerging technologies for measuring social networks health and well-being hold promise for advancing the study of the relationship-based nature of care for people living with dementia.


Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada Tang ◽  
Daria Shkredova ◽  
Derek W Stouth ◽  
Maureen J MacDonald ◽  
Jennifer J Heisz

Introduction: Silent cerebrovascular infarcts resulting from vascular disease can manifest as a decline in cognitive function. These silent events are also associated with increased risk of clinically overt stroke. Arterial stiffness is a marker that represents atherosclerotic progression and is a predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. This study examined the relationship between arterial stiffness and cognitive impairment between adults aged 50-80 years old with and without stroke. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that elevated arterial stiffness would be observed in individuals with stroke, and also be associated with increased cognitive impairment across all participants. Methods: Cognition was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Arterial stiffness was quantified using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV, in m/s), calculated as cfPWV=D/Δt, where D was the distance measured between arterial sites and Δt was the pulse transit time. Higher values represent increased stiffness, and values >10 m/s are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events. Results: Twenty-five participants were assessed: 11 participants 4.7±2.4 years post-stroke and 14 older adults without stroke. The non-stroke group was older (73.1±3.9 vs. 65.2±9.4 years, P=0.009), while the stroke group had lower MoCA scores (21.2±3.2 vs. 24.4±2.8, P=0.01). There were no between-group differences in cfPWV (stroke 9.4 m/s vs. older adults 9.9 m/s, P=0.49), when controlling for age and MoCA scores. In backward regression analysis, age explained 21% of the variance of cfPWV (P=0.03), while MoCA was not a contributor. Conclusions: In conclusion, these results suggest that age is a significant correlate of arterial stiffness, regardless of the presence of stroke or cognitive impairment. Ongoing work will examine whether stroke history also contributes to arterial stiffness when groups are matched for age.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Karol ◽  
Dianne Smith

Aim:The objective of this article is to identify and analyze what is known about characteristics in and around the home that support well-being for those with cognitive impairment. This could provide direction for designers of homes in general, but specifically for designers trying to meet the needs of people with cognitive impairment.Background:It has been established that there is a relationship between psychological well-being and a person’s environment. Research also shows that particular design aspects can reduce the impact of cognitive impairment. However, there is limited design expertise in the Australian housing market to create supportive spaces which will help to reduce the impact of the disability for those with cognitive impairment.Method:A literature review was carried out to determine the extent and details of what is known about the relationship of home design and its impact on emotional, psychological, or social well-being for people with cognitive impairment.Conclusions:The study indicates that researchers in various disciplines understand that pragmatic design inputs such as thermal comfort and adequate lighting are important for people with cognitive impairment. In addition, some researchers have shown or surmise that there are other “intangible” designer-controlled elements that have beneficial impacts on people with cognitive impairment. Details of these intangible elements are sparse, and how much they might improve the quality of life for a person with cognitive impairment is not well understood. Further research is required to meet a growing need.


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