A novel appetite loss in older adults with and without cognitive impairment (ALOC) screening scale

Abstract

Appetite is a strong determinant of nutritional status. As cognitive impairment is usually linked to alterations in eating behaviour, people with dementia might experience changes in appetite with the loss of ability to express their needs, including dietary choices and preferences. The aim of the study was to develop an appetite loss screening tool for older adults, inclusive for those with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. The study questionnaire, consisting of 44 binary items related to appetite, was employed among 127 hospitalized older patients (55.9% women, mean age 79.4 ± 7.1 years) with and without cognitive impairment (31.5% categorized as suspected mild dementia, 26.0% as suspected moderate dementia). An exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify items that constitute the final scale, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.81. The final tool consists of seven questions, with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 80.6%, using the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire score as reference. Acceptability post-test was performed in 20 patients (70% women, mean age 79.6 ± 5.3 years) to test the clinical feasibility of the scale. The customized design of the scale, according to the recommendation for written materials for individuals with dementia, empowers older adults, supports diagnosis and encourages their proactivity in the treatment process. The scale was found to perform similarly in older persons with and without cognitive impairment, which renders it a versatile assessment tool.