journal articles
PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF SARCOPENIA IN NURSING HOME ELDERLY EVALUATED BY BIA: A COHORT STUDY
K. Van Puyenbroeck, T. Van Deun, L. Roelandts, P. Van Royen, V. Verhoeven
J Aging Res Clin Practice 2012;1(1):64-68
Background: The decline in skeletal muscle is a major problem in elderly and can contribute to the development of functional limitations. The objective of this study was to provide data on sarcopenia prevalence in nursing homes and to assess influencing and associated factors to identify patients at risk for sarcopenia. Methods: This study was part of a longitudinal study in 52 nursing homes in Antwerp (Belgium). Between October 2007 to April 2008 a cohort study was conducted. 405 healthy people aged 65 years and older of both genders were included. Body composition was estimated using bio electrical impedance analysis (BIA). Gait speed was assessed using the timed get up and go test. Information on functional status was measured using the Katz score and nutritional assessment was made based on the MNA-SF (Mini Nutritional Assessment – Short Form). A blood sample for 25 (OH) vitamin D3 was collected at baseline. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia in our nursing home population was 14.8%, with a significant gender difference i.e. 19.9% in women and 2.7% in men. Logistic regression analysis shows that older age (p=0.032), female gender (p=0.001) and poor nutritional status (p=0.000) are significantly associated with sarcopenia in nursing homes. Conclusions: This study shows that sarcopenia is an important problem in nursing home residents. Attention for this problem is needed especially in elderly women with a poor nutritional status.