Association between cognitive function and nutritional status in elderly: A cross-sectional study in three institutions of Beirut—Lebanon

Introduction

The percentage of demented elderly is increasing worldwide and in Lebanon. Improvement in nutritional status would improve cognition in elderly. The purpose of this work is to investigate the presence of an association between nutritional status and cognitive function in elderly living in Lebanese institutions.

Materials and methods

This is a cross-sectional study performed in three long-stay elderly institutions in Beirut. Subjects who met the inclusion criteria filled out a questionnaire consisting of nutritional status scale (Mini Nutritional Assessment: MNA), cognitive function (Mini Mental State Evaluation: MMSE) and other parts (demographic, self-assessment of the state health, smoking and alcohol, physical dependence, quality of life, frailty, depression, social isolation and loneliness).

Results

Among 111 elderly (55 men and 56 women), 14(12.6%) elderly are malnourished, 54(48.7%) are at risk of malnutrition and 43(38.7%) had adequate nutrition. The majority of malnourished elderly (71.43%) showed a cognitive function deterioration (MMSE<24). The MMSE mean scores of malnourished elderly (20.21±4.61) was significantly lower (P=0.008) than elderly at risk of malnutrition and elderly with normal nutritional status (respectively 22.61±4.25 and 24.37±3.63). There was a significant positive correlation between the MMSE score and the MNA score (r=0.208, P=0.028). Multivariate analysis showed that cognitive state of elderly was only explained by lower nutrition status (ORa=3.03) and education (ORa=1.72).

Conclusion

Nutritional status is associated with cognitive function. Monitoring the status of elderly can help in preventing malnutrition and possibly their cognitive impairment.