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Weight loss in Alzheimer disease
S Gillette-Guyonnet1, F Nourhashemi, S Andrieu
1Departments of Gerontology and Internal Medicine and Exploration of Respiratory Function and Sports Medicine, Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 19, 2000
Summary
Caregiver burden significantly predicts weight loss in Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Weight loss is a common manifestation of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with multifactorial causes that remain unproven.
- Hypotheses include mesial temporal cortex atrophy, biological disturbances, and increased energy expenditure.
- This study investigates nutritional changes in AD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe weight loss and anorexia in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- To report findings from a longitudinal study on nutritional variables in AD patients.
- To identify predictors of weight loss in AD.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of patients with probable AD diagnosis.
- Nutritional, neuropsychological, and functional evaluations were performed.
- Caregiver burden was assessed using the Zarit scales and Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist.
Main Results:
- Caregiver burden, specifically from the Burden Interview and Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist, predicted weight loss in AD patients.
- Overburdened caregivers may not adequately support patient nutrition.
- This highlights the caregiver's role in AD patient nutritional status.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional education programs for caregivers are crucial for preventing weight loss in AD patients.
- These programs can improve the overall nutritional status of individuals with AD.
- Targeting caregiver support is a key strategy for managing AD-related malnutrition.