| Abstract [eng] |
Relevance of the study: With a rapidly aging population, malnutrition and frailty syndrome are becoming some of the greatest challenges in geriatrics and rehabilitation, significantly reducing the functional independence of older adults. This study is highly relevant as it comprehensively evaluates the correlations between nutrition, physical frailty, and emotional characteristics. The aim of research work: To determine and analyze the associations between malnutrition and frailty syndrome among elderly individuals. Tasks of work: 1. To assess the nutritional status of the subjects and determine its associations with sociodemographic factors and anthropometric indicators. 2. To evaluate age-related nutritional changes in the subjects and determine the associations between nutritional status and weight dynamics in groups with and without frailty syndrome. 3. To analyze the associations between nutritional status and functional capacity in groups with and without frailty syndrome. 4. To assess the associations between the subjects' nutritional status and cognitive features in the presence of frailty syndrome. Materials and methods: The study included 204 subjects (≥65 years old). The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used for screening. Nutritional status was assessed using the Short-Form Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF) and BMI, while frailty syndrome was determined based on Fried's phenotype criteria. Physical activity was analyzed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and emotional status was evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software, applying non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney tests, and Spearman correlation (p < 0.05). Results: The study included 204 subjects (78.9% women, 21.1% men; mean age – 81.90 ± 7.64 years). According to the MNA-SF, malnutrition was found in 11.8%, risk of malnutrition in 44.1%, and normal nutritional status in 44.1% of the participants. Based on Fried's phenotype, frailty syndrome was identified in 44.6%, pre-frailty in 16.7%, and 38.7% of the individuals were robust. Poorer nutritional status scores significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with older age, a higher number of comorbidities, lower physical activity (PASE), and poorer emotional status. Significant differences in the distribution of nutritional status were also found depending on living conditions and BMI (p < 0.05). A strong statistical association was established between poorer nutrition and frailty syndrome (p < 0.05), with the prevalence of malnutrition being highest among frail individuals. Conclusions: 1. Almost 56% of the participants experience malnutrition or its risk—a condition linked to advanced age, living alone, and a greater number of comorbidities, while a higher body mass index is related to a more favorable nutritional status. 2. In the group of subjects with frailty syndrome, a significantly more frequent and pronounced decline in nutritional status and undesirable weight loss were observed compared to subjects without this syndrome. 3. In the group with frailty syndrome, malnutrition is significantly associated with poorer functional capacity indicators, including lower handgrip strength, decreased gait speed, and lower overall physical activity. 4. Malnutrition or the risk of malnutrition in the subjects is significantly associated with higher levels of geriatric depression. |
