Alzheimer's Disease in the Danish Malnutrition Period 1999-2007

Several studies published over the last few years have shown that malnutrition is a risk factor for developing and worsening Alzheimer's disease (AD) and that a balanced diet can delay the onset of the disease. During the period from January 1999 to January 2007, a statistically significant increase in the number of deaths related to malnutrition was found among the elderly in Denmark. Many more may have been suffering from malnutrition, but not to such a degree that it led to their deaths.

The aim of this study is to examine whether or not the effect of the malnutrition period can be seen in the number of AD-related deaths.

All Danes listed in the National Death Register from 1994 to 2012 where included in this study. Regression analyses based on the Expansion Method were used.

We found a sudden statistically significant rise in the number of deaths from AD associated with the period when the general nutritional state among the elderly in Denmark worsened (from 1999 to 2007).

The study concludes that the malnutrition period resulted in an excess death rate from Alzheimer's disease. All in all, a total of 345 extra lives were lost, and many might have developed AD earlier than they otherwise would, due to malnutrition.