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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2013 Mar 14:13:26.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2318-13-26.

Nutritional status among older residents with dementia in open versus special care units in municipal nursing homes: an observational study

Carine Aukner  1 , Helene Dahl Eide, Per Ole Iversen
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutritional status among older residents with dementia in open versus special care units in municipal nursing homes: an observational study

Carine Aukner et al. BMC Geriatr. .

Abstract

Background: Undernutrition is widespread among institutionalised elderly, and people suffering from dementia are at particularly high risk. Many elderly with dementia live in open units or in special care units in nursing homes. It is not known whether special care units have an effect on the nutritional status of the residents. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the nutritional status of residents with dementia in both open units and in special care units.

Methods: Among Oslo's 29 municipal nursing homes, 21 participated with 358 residents with dementia or cognitive impairment, of which 46% lived in special care units. Nutritional status was assessed using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and anthropometry.

Results: We found no differences (p > 0.05) in risk of undernutrition, body mass index, mid-upper arm muscle circumference or triceps skinfold thickness between residents in open units and those in special care units. Residents in special care units were significantly younger and stronger when measured with a hand-grip test.

Conclusions: We found no difference in nutritional status between nursing home residents with dementia/cognitive impairment in open units versus in special care units.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart illustrating the selection of the final sample of study participants.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Frequency distributions of female and male residents in various risk categories for undernutrition according to MUST and the type of residence (open units vs. special care units). SCU – special care units.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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