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Review
. 2024 May 22;16(11):1566.
doi: 10.3390/nu16111566.

Prevention, Assessment, and Management of Malnutrition in Older Adults with Early Stages of Cognitive Disorders

Irene Loda  1 , Emanuela D'Angelo  2 , Emanuele Marzetti  2   3 , Hanna Kerminen  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Prevention, Assessment, and Management of Malnutrition in Older Adults with Early Stages of Cognitive Disorders

Irene Loda et al. Nutrients. .

Abstract

Malnutrition is common in older adults, and its risk is greater in those living with dementia. Relative to cognitively healthy peers, the prevalence of malnutrition is also increased in individuals with early stages of cognitive disorders owing to pathophysiological, cognitive, and psychosocial changes related to cognitive impairment. Malnutrition is associated with adverse health outcomes, including faster cognitive and functional decline. Here, we provide an overview of the prevention, assessment, and management of malnutrition in older adults, with a special focus on the aspects that are important to consider in individuals with early stages of cognitive disorders. Strategies to prevent malnutrition include systematic screening for malnourishment using validated tools to detect those at risk. If the screening reveals an increased risk of malnutrition, a detailed assessment including the individual's nutritional, medical, and functional status as well as dietary intake should be performed. The management of malnutrition in the early stages of cognitive disorders should be based on the findings of a comprehensive assessment and be personalized according to the individual's specific characteristics. In the article, we also provide an overview of the evidence on vitamin supplements and specific dietary patterns to prevent cognitive decline or attenuate its progression.

Keywords: DASH; Mediterranean diet; aged; cognitive decline; healthy diet; malnourishment; mild dementia; oral nutritional supplements; vitamin B; vitamin D.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study, in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data, in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Consequences of malnutrition in older adults.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Screening, assessment, and management of malnutrition in older adults.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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