Anthropometric Measurements and Cognitive Impairment Rather Than Nutrition Status Are Associated With Sarcopenia in Long-Term Care Residents.

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is an important health problem in older adults. The aim was to study the association of anthropometric measurements, functional capacity, cognitive impairment, and nutrition status with sarcopenia in institutionalized older adults.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken, determining the calf circumference (CC), mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC), and body mass index (BMI) and administering the Pfeiffer test and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Sarcopenia was diagnosed following criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. After bivariate analyses, a multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to determine the association of study variables with sarcopenia.

RESULTS

The study group comprised 249 residents (mean age 84.9 ± 6.7 years). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 63%. The multivariate analysis with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) indicated that the risk of sarcopenia was significantly increased by being female (OR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.3-6.2), having moderate or severe cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer test score of 5-10) (OR = 2.4; 95% CI 0.9-6.4), and having a BMI < 22 kg/m (OR = 22.4; 95% CI 6.7-75.0). Moreover, a low CC (OR = 6.5; 95% CI 3.0-14.0) or MUAMC (OR = 3.9; 95% CI 1.7-9.3) also significantly increased the risk of sarcopenia. A negative association was observed between sarcopenia and MNA-SF, although it did not remain statistically significant in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The variables identified as risk factors for sarcopenia can assist in detecting individuals at higher risk who require special clinical attention.