Malnutrition is Associated with Cognitive Function, Tiredness and Sleep Quality in Elderly Living Nursing Home

Abstract

Background: The last studies have shown that aging is associated with an increase in the risk of malnutrition and related complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between malnutrition and cognitive function, tiredness and sleep quality in the elderly living in nursing home. Methods: The subjects of this study were 119 elderly people over the age of 65 living in nursing homes in Tehran. The demographic characteristics of the subjects were collected and recorded. Then, body composition and anthropometric indices including weight, body mass index [BMI], height and calf circumferences [CC], waist circumferences [WC] and hip circumferences were measured using a digital scale of OMRON and meter tape. nutritional status, cognitive function, sleep quality and level of tiredness were measured by Mini Nutritional Status, Mini-Mental State Examination, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and FACIT-Fatigue scale, respectively. Results: The results of statistical analysis of the data showed a positive relationship between malnutrition with dementia [p<0.024],fatigue [p<0.000] and sleep quality [p<0.008]. Conclusion: Taken together, the use of strategies to improve the nutritional status of the elderly in nursing homes can play an important role in preventing the symptoms of geriatric syndrome and increasing the level of health in the elderly.