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

Catarina Caçador, Edite Teixeira-Lemos, Jorge Oliveira, João Pinheiro, Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo and Fernando Ramos
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Catarina Caçador: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Edite Teixeira-Lemos: Agrarian Scholl-IPV and CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
Jorge Oliveira: Agrarian Scholl-IPV and CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
João Pinheiro: Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo: Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
Fernando Ramos: Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-10

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: older adults; nursing homes; exercise; nutrition; cognition; Portugal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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