Health Risk, Functional Markers and Cognitive Status in Institutionalized Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

A Follow-up of vitamin B12 and lipids status is essential in older people, being closely related to non-communicable diseases. Their relationships with cognitive and physical status are not clear. The aim was to analyze the evolution of vitamin B12 and related parameters, lipid and hematological profiles, and their relationships with cognitive and physical status among institutionalized elderly. Sixty residents, ranged from 62 to 99, were evaluated. Biomarkers (vitamin B12 and related parameters, lipid and hematological profiles), functional capacity (handgrip, arm and leg strength), and cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination) were evaluated four times at 4-month intervals. At the beginning of the study, 63% and 70% of the sample showed abnormal homocysteine and folate values, respectively. At the end of the year, abnormal homocysteine increased to 68%, abnormal folate values decreased to 50%. Throughout the year, serum folate showed a significant increase (14.9 vs. 16.3 nmol/L), (p < 0.05). Serum cobalamin (299 vs. 273 pmol/L). HDL-cholesterol (49.9 vs. 47.0 mg/dL) and triglyceride levels (102.4 vs. 123.2 mg/dL) showed a significant decrease and increase respectively in mean values (all p < 0.05). Serum cobalamin and HDL-cholesterol were the most important biomarkers associated with cognitive function (both p < 0.05). The most relevant biomarkers associated with poor physical strength depending on the body part analyzed were low concentrations of HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, and albumin (all p < 0.05). The evolution of lipid biomarkers, their significance with cognitive values, and association with handgrip, point to the importance of the handgrip measurement, a very simple test, as an important health marker. Both serum albumin and physical strength are important health markers in older people.

Effects of Supplementation with Folic Acid and Its Combinations with Other Nutrients on Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Narrative Review

“…It has been estimated that approximately 69.8% of elders have HHcy (76.2% of the men and 66.4% of the women) [ 34 ]. Similar results were obtained in institutionalized older adults where the found HHcy prevalence was 63.0% [ 35 ]. Several potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain the deleterious effects of Hcy on cognitive function: DNA breakdown induced by Hcy, oxidative damage, an apoptotic process, and the excitotoxic cell dead owing to the direct activation of the neuronal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NDMA) receptor after homocysteic acid formation [ 36 , 37 ].…”

Effect of Training-Detraining Phases of Multicomponent Exercises and BCAA Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers and Albumin Levels in Frail Older Persons

“…It is broadly accepted that the regular practice of exercise training imposes metabolic, endocrine/physiological, immune, and cognitive adaptations that, among many benefits, can increase skeletal muscle mass and strength, thus, circumventing the deleterious effects of sarcopenia in older persons [ 61 ].…”

The Role of Nutritional Status on Polypharmacy, Cognition, and Functional Capacity of Institutionalized Elderly: A Systematic Review

“…Table 1 displays a descriptive review of the included articles (n = 8), summarizing the impact of nutritional status on cognitive capacity and functional ability [ 8 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ]. No studies were found to be associated with alterations in nutritional status and prevention of polypharmacy.…”

“…These papers had strong study participation through methodologically validated tools in combination with clear descriptions of potential confounders and outcome measurements. Three studies were rated as having a “high” RoB ( Table 2 ) [ 32 , 34 , 35 ]. The limitations identified in these studies were commonly considerable data loss and/or poor sampling frame and recruitment.…”

“…Cognitive function was measured in six studies [ 8 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 35 ]. The types of assessments differed slightly, with negligible variations in the cut-off value for the same type of assessment.…”