Neurosciences

P. Gil Gregorio, S.P. Ramírez Díaz, J.M. Ribera Casado, DEMENU Group1

1 Tobaruela JL, Neira R, Medina J, González P, Navarro C, Robledillo R, Moreno J, Teja J ; .Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Geriatric Department, Martín Lagos S/N, 28040 Madrid, Spain, Tel/Fax (+34) 91 330 3306, Email: pgil@hcsc.insalud.es; Email: ramirez_santiago@hotmail.com; Email: jribera@hcsc.insalud.es

Abstract: Objectives: To know nutritional status of a group of institutionalized patients with moderate Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and to ascertain the effects of an intervention with nutritional supplements on morbidity and mortality after one year follow-up. Patients and Methods: 99 patients (mean age: 86.5 years), 80 women, with a diagnosis of AD according with NINCDS/ADRDA criteria, were recruited from 8 nursing-homes. 25 were included in an intervention group and received a nutritional supplements along 12 months. Evolution was evaluated according to the Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST). Patients with FAST levels 5-6 were included. General clinical variables as well as variables reflecting cognitive state and nutritional status: anthropometric, biochemical data and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) were analysed. Statistical analysis was carry out with the SPSS 10.0 package. Results: Mean time since diagnosis was 49 months, with a 20.2 months duration of institutionalization. Mean value of MNA was 20.1 ± 3.5. 16.5% of patients had a BMI equal o lower than 21. After one year the intervention group showed higher levels of albumin (P=05), pre-albumin (P=05), iron (P=01), zinc (P=05), and beta-carotene (P=05) than the control group. The same response in BMI (P=05), MNA (P=05), and triceps skinfold (P=01). Mortality was lower (16% vs. 22.7%), without statistical significance, in the intervention group, as it was the number of infectious events (47% vs. 66% P=05), and the days in bed (7.5±2.1 vs. 17.3±5.6 P=05). Conclusion: Nutritional supplements applied to a group of patients with AD living in nursing-homes can reduce morbidity and mortality after one year follow-up.

Key words: Malnutrition, nutrition, nutritional supplements, dementia. Alzheimer's disease, institutionalization.