Disease Specific Aspects of Malnutrition in Neurogeriatric Patients

Abstract

Malnutrition in elderly patients is a common condition. Nevertheless, there is evidence on specific risk factors and problems of malnutrition in geriatric patients with neurological diseases. In this review, we summarize recent knowledge on malnutrition in different neurological diseases with a focus on elderly patients. This overview also provides strategies for a more specific and profound assessment of neurogeriatric patients to improve identification and treatment of malnutrition. Early and consequent treatment of malnutrition can lead to a decreased progression of the neurological disease and to a better quality of life in geriatric patients.

Association between malnutrition, clinical parameters and health-related quality of life in elderly hospitalized patients with Parkinson’s disease: A cross-sectional study

“…Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairment and a plethora of non-motor symptoms. People with PD are at a high risk of malnutrition [1]. In PD, malnutrition and risk of malnutrition were associated with motor impairment, disease duration, and several non-motor symptoms, such as constipation and depression [2,3].…”

“…A gold standard for the optimal definition of malnutrition is still lacking [1]. The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) recommends, among others, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) for screening malnutrition and the risk of developing malnutrition.…”

Neurogeriatrics—a vision for improved care and research for geriatric patients with predominating neurological disabilities

“…PD) and inflammatory processes. In particular, disease-specific aspects and predictors of malnutrition in neurogeriatric patients are important to understand in order to perform an effective screening and to start interventions at the right time in older patients with neurological disorders [17].…”

Dietary Support in Elderly Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…Another important problem is poor oral health and dental status leading to chewing difficulties and mouth dryness, which can cause lower food intake [68,69]. Depression, anxiety, dementia, and many other neuropsychological factors can result in unintentional weight loss and nutritional deficiencies [70,71,72]. There are also many social determinants of malnutrition risk, like poverty, loneliness and isolation, an inability to shop or cook, secondary to cognitive disorders and/or physical disability [73,74].…”