Assessment of Neurodisability and Malnutrition in Children in Africa

Abstract

Neurodevelopmental delay, neurodisability, and malnutrition interact to contribute a significant burden of disease in global settings. Assessments which are well integrated with plans of management or advice are most likely to improve outcomes. Assessment tools used in clinical research and programming to evaluate outcomes include developmental and cognitive tools that vary in complexity, sensitivity, and validity as well as the target age of assessment. Few tools have been used to measure socioemotional outcomes and fewer to assess the disabled child with malnutrition. There is a paucity of tools used clinically which actually provide families and professionals with advice to improve outcomes. Brain imaging, electroencephalography, audiology, and visual assessment can also be used to assess the effect of malnutrition on brain structure and function. The interaction of neurodisability and malnutrition is powerful, and both need to be considered when assessing children. Without an integrated approach to assessment and management, we will not support children and families to reach their best potential outcomes.

Assessment of Neurodevelopment, Nutrition, and Inflammation From Fetal Life to Adolescence in Low-Resource Settings

“…20 Results, however, may be poorly predictive of future development. 27, 28 Generally, there has been less emphasis on executive functions, such as socioemotional regulation, impulse control, and the ability to sustain attention, 21 although these areas of neurodevelopment may be affected by different nutritional deficiencies or inflammatory responses. This relationship may be of significance, for example, when considering the effects of malnutrition, because these children are often described clinically as being apathetic with little interaction with others.…”

Cassava (Manihot esculentaCrantz) and Yam (Dioscoreaspp.) Crops and Their Derived Foodstuffs: Safety, Security and Nutritional Value

“…The most nutritious variety was reported to be the Discorea dumetorum (yellow yam) which have fairly high protein content and well balanced amino acids (Polycarp et al, 2012). On the contrary, due to the protein deficiency, the white yam (Discorea rotundata) consuming areas of Africa have a high incidence of kwashiorkor, a serious medical condition in children caused by proteins deficiency (Gladstone et al, 2014). Therefore a yam-driven diet should be supplied with more protein-rich foods in order to support active and healthy growth in infants.…”

Letter to the Editor

“…5,6 Furthermore, specific disabilities include blindness due to deficiency of vitamin A, intractable epilepsy due to deficiency of vitamin B6 and cognitive impairment due to iodine and iron deficiency 7 . The neurological impairment due to severe malnutiriton in children range from 19-61 per 1000.…”