Association Between Malnutrition and Depression Among Community-Dwelling Older Chinese Adults

Abstract

Malnutrition and depression are of important concern among older adults. We investigated the association between malnutrition and depression among community-dwelling older Chinese adults and how both affect health care costs. Data from 4916 older adults (age ≥60 years) collected as part of 2013-Wave II China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) survey were analyzed. Measures of body mass index and weight loss were used as indicators of malnutrition. Malnourished subjects were 31% more likely to be depressed than their non-malnourished counterparts (odds ratio = 1.311, P < .1). Health care-related cost was ¥591.8 higher for malnourished older adult per year compared to a non-malnourished counterpart ( P < .1), thus confirming that incidence of depression coupled with malnutrition significantly increases health care-related costs. These results highlight the importance of malnutrition and depression screening and treatment for older Chinese community-dwelling adults, and the importance of community-based nutrition-specific programs that could address the needs of the affected populations.

Depression and quality of life in older adults on hemodialysis

“…Low levels of serum albumin may reflect malnutrition, which is a risk factor for depression in older people. 24,25 Hypoalbuminemia is also found in the context of an inflammatory state, which has also been associated with depression and anxiety. 26 However, in the BDI hypoalbuminemia has been correlated with a depressive status in HD patients, regardless of the levels of inflammatory markers such as C-peptide, high sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and adiponectin.…”

Functional status mediates the association of nutritional status with depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure

“…In addition, deterioration of nutritional status is thought to be associated with the origin of cachexia, which can cause overall aggravation of body function and lead to an adverse prognosis in patients with HF (Rahman et al., 2016; Sze et al., 2019). A significant correlation between malnutrition and depressive symptoms has been confirmed in previous studies on cancer, hemodialysis patients and community elderly population, (Duc et al., 2017; Gerogianni, Kouzoupis, & Grapsa, 2018; Wei et al., 2018) whereas little is known about their relationship in patients with HF. However, depressive symptoms were related to high‐risk factors of malnutrition, such as decreased appetite and unintentional weight loss, in patients with HF (Andreae, Stromberg, & Arestedt, 2016; Song et al., 2014).…”

Risks of malnutrition and depression in older adults living alone or with a spouse in Hong Kong

“…However, the relationship between malnutrition and depression among older adults in community settings has not been sufficiently studied. Although two studies explored this association, 4, 5 neither adopted validated instruments. Sarria Cabrera et al .…”

“…The instrument used for malnutrition measurements by Wei et al . was not validated 5 . Notably, no study has investigated the depression–malnutrition association among older adults living alone or with only a spouse.…”

“…Using well‐validated instruments and adjusting confounders, this study demonstrated a positive association between malnutrition and depression risks among older adults living alone or with only a spouse. Based on the fact that most previous studies examining this relationship were cross‐sectional, 4, 5 a two‐way relationship between malnutrition and depression may exist. Reduced intake of food groups such as fish, fruits and vegetables, and micronutrients including folate and vitamin D may increase depression risk.…”