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Background: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) approach to malnutrition diagnosis is based on assessment of three phenotypic (weight loss, low body mass index, and reduced skeletal muscle mass) and two etiologic (reduced food intake/assimilation and disease burden/inflammation) criteria, with diagnosis confirmed by fulfillment of any combination of at least one phenotypic and at least one etiologic criterion. The original GLIM description provided limited guidance regarding assessment of inflammation, and this has been a factor impeding further implementation of the GLIM criteria. We now seek to provide practical guidance for assessment of inflammation. Methods: A GLIM‐constituted working group with 36 participants developed consensus‐based guidance through a modified Delphi review. A multiround review and revision process served to develop seven guidance statements. Results: The final round of review was highly favorable, with 99% overall "agree" or "strongly agree" responses. The presence of acute or chronic disease, infection, or injury that is usually associated with inflammatory activity may be used to fulfill the GLIM disease burden/inflammation criterion, without the need for laboratory confirmation. However, we recommend that recognition of underlying medical conditions commonly associated with inflammation be supported by C‐reactive protein (CRP) measurements when the contribution of inflammatory components is uncertain. Interpretation of CRP requires that consideration be given to the method, reference values, and units (milligrams per deciliter or milligram per liter) for the clinical laboratory that is being used. Conclusion: Confirmation of inflammation should be guided by clinical judgment based on underlying diagnosis or condition, clinical signs, or CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) provides consensus criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition that can be widely applied. The GLIM approach is based on the assessment of three phenotypic (weight loss, low body mass index, and low skeletal muscle mass) and two etiologic (low food intake and presence of disease with systemic inflammation) criteria, with diagnosis confirmed by any combination of one phenotypic and one etiologic criterion fulfilled. Assessment of muscle mass is less commonly performed than other phenotypic malnutrition criteria, and its interpretation may be less straightforward, particularly in settings that lack access to skilled clinical nutrition practitioners and/or to body composition methodologies. In order to promote the widespread assessment of skeletal muscle mass as an integral part of the GLIM diagnosis of malnutrition, the GLIM consortium appointed a working group to provide consensus‐based guidance on assessment of skeletal muscle mass. When such methods and skills are available, quantitative assessment of muscle mass should be measured or estimated using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, computerized tomography, or bioelectrical impedance analysis. For settings where these resources are not available, then the use of anthropometric measures and physical examination are also endorsed. Validated ethnic‐ and sex‐specific cutoff values for each measurement and tool are recommended when available. Measurement of skeletal muscle function is not advised as surrogate measurement of muscle mass. However, once malnutrition is diagnosed, skeletal muscle function should be investigated as a relevant component of sarcopenia and for complete nutrition assessment of persons with malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is increasing in all parts of the population, especially in at-risk individuals with coronary heart disease [[9]] because such patients today are often sedentary and have abdominal obesity. Adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle improves metabolic status in coronary heart disease patients: a prospective analysis from the CORDIOPREV study. Lessons from the CORDIOPREV study - Lifestyle interventions still needed to improve cardiometabolic health in patients with coronary heart disease. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Translating nutrition knowledge into care practice is challenging since multiple factors can affect the implementation process. This study examined the impact of two implementation strategies, that is external facilitation (EF) and educational outreach visits (EOVs), on the organisational context and individual factors when implementing nutritional guidelines in a nursing home (NH) setting. Methods: The EF strategy was a one‐year, multifaceted (including support, guidance, a practice audit and feedback) intervention given to four NH units. The EOV strategy was a three‐hour lecture about the nutritional guidelines given to four other NH units. Both strategies were directed at selected NH teams, consisting of a unit manager, a nurse and 5–10 care staff. A questionnaire was distributed, before and after the interventions, to evaluate the prerequisites for the staff to use the guidelines. Three conditions were used to examine the organisational context and the individual factors: the staff's ability and willingness to implement the nutritional guidelines and their understanding of them. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models were used for the data analysis. Results: The results indicated that on average, there was a significant increase in the staff's ability to implement the nutritional guidelines in the EF group. The staff exposed to the EF strategy experienced better resources to implement the guidelines in terms of time, tools and support from leadership and a clearer assignment of responsibility regarding nutrition procedures. There was no change in staff's willingness and understanding of the guidelines in the EF group. On average, no significant changes were observed for the staff's ability, willingness or understanding in the EOV group. Conclusions: A long‐term, active and flexible implementation strategy (i.e. EF) affected the care staff's ability to implement the nutritional guidelines in an NH setting. No such impact was observed for the more passive, educational approach (i.e. EOV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) created a consensus-based framework consisting of phenotypic and etiologic criteria to record the occurrence of malnutrition in adults. This is a minimum set of practicable indicators for use in characterizing a patient/client as malnourished, considering the global variations in screening and nutrition assessment, and to be used across different healthcare settings. As with other consensus-based frameworks for diagnosing disease states, these operational criteria require validation and reliability testing, as they are currently based solely on expert opinion.Methods: Several forms of validation and reliability are reviewed in the context of GLIM, providing guidance on how to conduct retrospective and prospective studies for criterion and construct validity.Results: There are some aspects of GLIM that require refinement; research using large databases can be employed to reach this goal. Machine learning is also introduced as a potential method to support identification of the best cut points and combinations of indicators for use with the different forms of malnutrition, which the GLIM criteria were created to denote. It is noted as well that validation and reliability testing need to occur in a variety of sectors and populations and with diverse persons using GLIM criteria.Conclusion: The guidance presented supports the conduct and publication of quality validation and reliability studies for GLIM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This initiative aims to build a global consensus around core diagnostic criteria for malnutrition in adults in clinical settings.Methods: The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) was convened by several of the major global clinical nutrition societies. Empirical consensus was reached through a series of face-to-face meetings, telephone conferences, and e-mail communications.Results: A 2-step approach for the malnutrition diagnosis was selected, that is, first screening to identify at risk status by the use of any validated screening tool, and second, assessment for diagnosis and grading the severity of malnutrition. The malnutrition criteria for consideration were retrieved from existing approaches for screening and assessment. Potential criteria were subjected to a ballot among GLIM participants that selected 3 phenotypic criteria (non-volitional weight loss, low body mass index, and reduced muscle mass) and 2 etiologic criteria (reduced food intake or assimilation, and inflammation or disease burden). To diagnose malnutrition at least 1 phenotypic criterion and 1 etiologic criterion should be present. Phenotypic metrics for grading severity are proposed. It is recommended that the etiologic criteria be used to guide intervention and anticipated outcomes. The recommended approach supports classification of malnutrition into four etiology-related diagnosis categories.Conclusions: A consensus scheme for diagnosing malnutrition in adults in clinical settings on a global scale is proposed. Next steps are to secure endorsements from leading nutrition professional societies, to identify overlaps with syndromes like cachexia and sarcopenia, and to promote dissemination, validation studies, and feedback. The construct should be re-considered every 3-5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Suboptimal nutritional practices in elderly care settings may be resolved by an efficient introduction of nutritional guidelines. Aims: To compare two different implementation strategies, external facilitation (EF) and educational outreach visits (EOVs), when introducing nutritional guidelines in nursing homes (NHs), and study the impact on staff performance. Methodological design: A quasi‐experimental study with baseline and follow‐up measurements. Outcome measures: The primary outcome was staff performance as a function of mealtime ambience and food service routines. Interventions/research methods: The EF strategy was a 1‐year, multifaceted intervention that included support, guidance, practice audit and feedback in two NH units. The EOV strategy comprised one‐three‐hour lecture about nutritional guidelines in two other NH units. Both strategies were targeted to selected NH teams, which consisted of a unit manager, a nurse and 5–10 care staff. Mealtime ambience was evaluated by 47 observations using a structured mealtime instrument. Food service routines were evaluated by 109 food records performed by the staff. Results: Mealtime ambience was more strongly improved in the EF group than in the EOV group after the implementation. Factors improved were laying a table (p = 0.03), offering a choice of beverage (p = 0.02), the serving of the meal (p = 0.02), interactions between staff and residents (p = 0.02) and less noise from the kitchen (p = 0.01). Food service routines remained unchanged in both groups. Conclusions: An EF strategy that included guidance, audit and feedback improved mealtime ambience when nutritional guidelines were introduced in a nursing home setting, whereas food service routines were unchanged by the EF strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: All proposed definitions of sarcopenia include the measurement of muscle mass, but the techniques and threshold values used vary. Indeed, the literature does not establish consensus on the best technique for measuring lean body mass. Thus, the objective measurement of sarcopenia is hampered by limitations intrinsic to assessment tools. The aim of this study was to review the methods to assess muscle mass and to reach consensus on the development of a reference standard. Methods: Literature reviews were performed by members of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis working group on frailty and sarcopenia. Face‐to‐face meetings were organized for the whole group to make amendments and discuss further recommendations. Results: A wide range of techniques can be used to assess muscle mass. Cost, availability, and ease of use can determine whether the techniques are better suited to clinical practice or are more useful for research. No one technique subserves all requirements but dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry could be considered as a reference standard (but not a gold standard) for measuring muscle lean body mass. Conclusions: Based on the feasibility, accuracy, safety, and low cost, dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry can be considered as the reference standard for measuring muscle mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To examine the longitudinal associations between aging with preserved functionality, i.e. independent aging and survival, and lifestyle variables, dietary pattern and cardiovascular risk factors. Design Cohort study. Setting Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men, Sweden. Participants Swedish men (n = 1,104) at a mean age of 71 (range 69.4-74.1) were investigated, 369 of whom were evaluated for independent aging 16 years later, at a mean age of 87 (range 84.8-88.9). Measurements A questionnaire was used to obtain information on lifestyle, including education, living conditions, and physical activity. Adherence to a Mediterranean-like diet was assessed according to a modified Mediterranean Diet Score derived from 7-day food records. Cardiovascular risk factors were measured. Independent aging at a mean age of 87 was defined as lack of diagnosed dementia, a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 25 or greater, not institutionalized, independence in personal activities of daily living, and ability to walk outdoors alone. Complete survival data at age 85 were obtained from the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Results Fifty-seven percent of the men survived to age 85, and 75% of the participants at a mean age of 87 displayed independent aging. Independent aging was associated with never smoking (vs current) (odds ratio ( OR) = 2.20, 95% confidence interval ( CI) = 1.05-4.60) and high (vs low) adherence to a Mediterranean-like diet ( OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.14-6.80). Normal weight or overweight and waist circumference of 102 cm or less were also associated with independent aging. Similar associations were observed with survival. Conclusion Lifestyle factors such as never smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and not being obese at age 71 were associated with survival and independent aging at age 85 and older in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark (September 2016), representatives of the 4 largest global parenteral and enteral nutrition (PEN) societies from Europe (ESPEN), the United States (American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition [ASPEN]), Asia (Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society of Asia [PENSA]), and Latin America (Latin American Federation of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition [FELANPE]) and from national PEN societies around the world met to continue the conversation on how to diagnose malnutrition that started during the Clinical Nutrition Week, Austin, Texas (February 2016). Current thinking on diagnostic approaches was shared; ESPEN suggested a grading approach that could encompass various types of signs, symptoms, and etiologies to support diagnosis. ASPEN emphasized where the parties agree; that is, that the 3 major published approaches (ESPEN, ASPEN-Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and Subjective Global Assessment [SGA]) all propose weight loss as a key indicator for malnutrition. FELANPE suggested that the anticipated consensus approach needs to prioritize a diagnostic method that is available for everybody since resources differ globally. PENSA highlighted that body mass index varies by ethnicity/race and that sarcopenia/muscle mass evaluation is important for the diagnosis of malnutrition. A Core Working Committee of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition has been established (comprising 2 representatives each from the 4 largest PEN societies) that will lead consensus development in collaboration with a larger working group with broad global representation, using e-mail, telephone conferences, and face-to-face meetings during the upcoming ASPEN and ESPEN congresses. Transparency and external input will be sought. Objectives include (1) consensus development around evidence-based criteria for broad application, (2) promotion of global dissemination of the consensus criteria, and (3) seeking adoption by the World Health Organization and the International Classification of Diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

However, semantics aside, we think that DXA can indeed serve as a reference standard for measuring muscle mass. Obviously, CT and MRI are advanced techniques that can and have been used to obtain important information such as muscle size/volume and more recently amount and distribution of intra‐ and intermuscular adipose tissue. Also individual muscles can be assessed separately. However, with respect to muscle mass, the comparison of DXA with CT/MRI is rather difficult because DXA and QCT/MRI measure different physical parameters [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Reduced bone mineral density ( BMD) together with muscle wasting and dysfunction, that is sarcopenia, emerges as a risk factor for hip fracture. The aim of this study was to examine body composition and BMD and their relationship with trauma mechanisms in young and middle-aged patients with femoral neck fracture. Materials and methods Altogether, 185 patients with femoral neck fracture aged 20-69 were included. BMD, body composition and fat-free mass index ( FFMI) were determined by dual-X-ray absorptiometry ( DXA), and trauma mechanisms were registered. Results Ninety per cent of the whole study population had a femoral neck BMD below the mean for age. In the young patients (< 50 years), 27% had a Z-score of BMD ≤ −2 SD. More than half of the middle-aged patients (50-69 years) had osteopenia, that is T-score −1 to −2·5, and 35% had osteoporosis, that is T-score < −2·5, at the femoral neck. Patients with low-energy trauma, sport injury or high-energy trauma had a median standardised BMD of 0·702, 0·740 vs. 0·803 g/cm2 ( P = 0·03), and a median FFMI of 15·9, 17·7 vs. 17·5 kg/m2 ( P < 0·001), respectively. FFMI < 10th percentile of an age- and gender-matched reference population was observed in one-third. Conclusions A majority had low BMD at the femoral neck, and one-third had reduced FFMI (i.e. sarcopenia). Patients with fracture following low-energy trauma had significantly lower femoral neck BMD and FFMI than patients with other trauma mechanisms. DXA examination of both BMD and body composition could be of value especially in those with low-energy trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To examine relationships between modifiable midlife factors, aging, and physical and cognitive function (independent aging) and survival in very old age. Design Prospective cohort. Setting Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men, Uppsala, Sweden. Participants Swedish men investigated in 1970-74 (aged 48.6-51.1) and followed up for four decades (N = 2,293). Measurements Conventional cardiovascular risk factors, body mass index ( BMI), and dietary biomarkers were measured, and a questionnaire was used to gather information on lifestyle variables at age 50. Four hundred seventy-two men were reinvestigated in 2008-09 (aged 84.8-88.9). Independent aging was defined as survival to age 85, Mini-Mental State Examination score of 25 or greater, not living in an institution, independent in personal care and hygiene, able to walk outdoors without personal help, and no diagnosis of dementia. The National Swedish Death Registry provided survival data. Results Thirty-eight percent of the cohort survived to age 85. Seventy-four percent of the participants in 2008-09 were aging independently. In univariable analyses, high leisure-time physical activity predicted survival but not independent aging. Low work-time physical activity was associated more strongly with independent aging (odds ratio ( OR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval ( CI) = 1.18-2.88) than with survival ( OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.05-1.52). In multivariable analyses, midlife BMI was negatively associated ( OR = 0.80/ SD, 95% CI = 0.65-0.99/ SD), and never or former smoking was positively associated ( OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.07-2.59), with independent aging. As expected, conventional cardiovascular and lifestyle risk factors were associated with mortality. Conclusion A normal midlife BMI and not smoking were associated with independent aging close to four decades later, indicating that normal weight at midlife has the potential not only to increase survival, but also to preserve independence with aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to test the intervalidity of three different nutrition screening tools towards a broad population of elderly hospitalized patients. The association with risk factors and mortality was investigated. This is a prospective cohort study in three medical, surgical and geriatric settings, in Denmark and Sweden. Patients >65 years were consecutively included. Patients were screened by mini-nutritional assessment ( MNA), malnutrition universal screening tool ( MUST) and nutritional risk screening ( NRS-2002). Anthropometrics, cognitive test ( SPMSQ), as well as a questionnaire investigation regarding eating problems and life situation, were performed. Mortality within 12 months was investigated. In total, 233 patients mean ( SD) age 81(7.64) years were included. A large variation in prevalence of nutritional risk was determined between the screening tools, MNA was 68% vs. MUST, 47% and NRS 54%, p < 0.0001. An overall agreement of 67% was seen (κ 0.52-0.55). Risk factors were associated with nutritional risk, including depressive mood. Only handgrip strength, fungus in mouth, serum albumin, CRP and cognitive function were associated with mortality. Fungus had the strongest association ( OR 3.7; CI 1.19-11.30). The overall mortality rate was 27% during 12 months. However, none of the three screening tools predicted 12-month mortality. The findings show great variation in the prevalence of nutritional risk of under nutrition both between the tools and the settings. The level of agreement between the tools was moderate, and none of the three tools were capable of predicting 12-month mortality. A functional and psychological evaluation including oral health seems recommendable in elderly patients at nutritional risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To provide pooled data on the prevalence of malnutrition in elderly people as evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). DESIGN: Retrospective pooled analysis of previously published datasets. SETTING: Hospital, rehabilitation, nursing home, community. PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand five hundred seven people (75.2% female) with a mean age of 82.3. MEASUREMENTS: The prevalence of malnutrition in the combined database and in the four settings was examined. RESULTS: Twenty-four data sets with information on full MNA classification from researchers from 12 countries were submitted. In the combined database, the prevalence of malnutrition was 22.8%, with considerable differences between the settings (rehabilitation, 50.5%; hospital, 38.7%; nursing home, 13.8%; community, 5.8%). In the combined database, the “at risk” group had a prevalence of 46.2%. Consequently, approximately two-thirds of study participants were at nutritional risk or malnourished. CONCLUSION: The MNA has gained worldwide acceptance and shows a high prevalence of malnutrition in different settings, except for the community. Because of its specific geriatric focus, the MNA should be recommended as the basis for nutritional evaluation in older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between nutritional status and general and specific (fluid and crystallized) cognitive functioning in a group of older people living in a rural area in Bangladesh. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Matlab, Bangladesh. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred fifty-seven randomly selected persons aged 60 and older (mean age 69.5 ± 6.8), 55% female. MEASUREMENTS: Nutritional status was evaluated using a modified form of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). General cognitive function was assessed using the Bangla Adaptation of the Mini-Mental State Examination, and a word synonym test was used to test semantic memory function (a crystallized ability). To assess cognitive processing speed (a fluid ability), “cross balls” and “complete boxes” tests (scores/time unit) were used. Clinical diagnoses were registered. Structured questionnaires were used to assess demographic and socioeconomic status of the participants. RESULTS: Twenty-six percent of the participants were undernourished, and 62% were at risk of malnutrition according to the MNA. The MNA scores were significantly lower in women than in men ( P=.01). Women performed worse than men in all three cognitive tasks ( P<.001). Poorer cognitive performance was independently associated with older age, female sex, illiteracy, visual impairment, severity of disease, and depressive symptoms. There were significant associations between better nutritional status and better cognitive performance tests of general ability and processing speed, whereas semantic memory appeared to be less affected. CONCLUSION: The association between nutritional status and cognitive function involves general and specific cognitive abilities, with fluid ability seeming to be affected but crystalized functions being relatively spared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of omega (Ω)-3 fatty acid (FA) supplements on weight and appetite in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) in relation to inflammatory biomarkers and apolipoprotein E ℇ4 ( APOEℇ4). DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Specialist memory clinics in the Stockholm catchment area. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred four patients (aged 73±9, 52% women) with mild to moderate AD. INTERVENTION: Patients with AD received 1.7 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and 0.6 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (Ω-3/Ω-3 group; n=89, aged 73±9, 57% women) or placebo 0.6 g of linoleic acid per day (placebo/Ω-3 group; n=85, aged 73±9, 46% women) for 6 months. After 6 months, all patients received DHA and EPA for another 6 months. MEASUREMENTS: Anthropometry, biochemical nutritional and inflammatory markers, and appetite assessed by caregiver. RESULTS: Mean weight and body mass index (kg/m2) at baseline were 70.0±11.8 kg and 24.3±3.0 kg/m2, respectively. At 6- and 12-month follow-up, weight had increased 0.7±2.5 kg ( P=.02) and 1.4±2.9 kg ( P<.001) in the Ω-3/Ω-3 group. In the placebo group, weight was unchanged at 6 months but had increased ( P=.01) at 12 months follow-up after Ω-3 supplementation was initiated. Appetite improved in the Ω-3/Ω-3 group over the treatment period ( P=.01). In logistic regression analyses, not carrying the APOEℇ4 allele and high plasma DHA concentrations were independently related to weight gain in the combined group of patients at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: A DHA-enriched Ω-3 FA supplement may positively affect weight and appetite in patients with mild to moderate AD. Not carrying the APOEℇ4 allele and high DHA were independently associated with weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Epidemiological and animal studies have suggested that dietary fish or fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids (ω3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may have effects in psychiatric and behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD). An association with APOEω4 carriers and neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD has also been suggested. Objective To determine effects of dietary ω3 supplementation to AD patients with mild to moderate disease on psychiatric and behavioral symptoms, daily functions and a possible relation to APOEgenotype. Methods Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial where 204 AD patients (74 ± 9 years) with acetylcholine esterase inhibitor treatment and a MMSE >15 points were randomized to daily intake of 1.7 g DHA and 0.6 g EPA (ω3 group) or placebo for 6 months. Then, all received the ω3 supplementation for 6 more months. Neuropsychiatric symptoms were measured with Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and Montgomery Åsberg Depression Scale (MADRS). Caregivers burden and activities of daily living (Disability Assessment for Dementia, DAD) were also assessed. Results One hundred and seventy-four patients fulfilled the trial. 72% were APOEω4 carriers. No significant overall treatment effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms, on activities of daily living or on caregiver's burden were found. However, significant positive treatment effects on the scores in the NPI agitation domain in APOEω4 carriers (p = 0.006) and in MADRS scores in non-APOEω4 carriers (p = 0.005) were found. Conclusions Supplementation with ω3 in patients with mild to moderate AD did not result in marked effects on neuropsychiatric symptoms except for possible positive effects on depressive symptoms (assessed by MADRS) in non-APOEω4 carriers and agitation symptoms (assessed by NPI) in APOEω4 carriers. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00211159 Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical assessment of nutritional status and mortality in geriatric patients. DESIGN: Prospective follow-up study. SETTING: Acute geriatric inpatient ward. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-three consecutive acute geriatric patients (mean age ± standard deviation = 83 ± 7; 68% women). MEASUREMENTS: Patients were classified as (1) having protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), (2) having moderate PEM or being at risk for PEM, or (3) being well nourished according to Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Body mass index ((BMI) kg/m2 ), arm anthropometry, and handgrip strength were determined. In a subgroup of patients (n = 39), body composition was analyzed using dual energy x-ray absorption and bioelectrical impedance. Three-year mortality data were obtained from the Swedish population records. RESULTS: Twenty percent and 26% of the patients were classified as having PEM based on SGA and MNA, respectively, whereas 43% and 56%, respectively, were classified as having moderate PEM or being at risk for PEM. Objective measures, such as BMI, arm anthropometry, handgrip, and body fat were 20% to 50% lower in the malnourished group than in the well-nourished subjects (P < .05). Moreover, mortality was higher in those classified as being malnourished, ranging from 40% after 1 year to 80% after 3 years, compared with 20% after 1 year (P = .03–0.17) and 50% after 3 years (P < .01) in patients classified as being well nourished. CONCLUSION: Fewer than one-third of newly admitted geriatric patients had a normal nutritional status according to SGA and MNA. BMI, arm anthropometry, body fat mass, and handgrip strength were reduced, and 1-, 2-, and 3-year mortality was higher in patients classified as malnourished. The present data justify the use of SGA and MNA for the assessment of nutritional status in geriatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which is concerned with the outcomes of intervention trials for sarcopenia.