Association Between Cognitive Performance and Nutritional Status: Analysis From LASI-DAD.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Nutritional Science
• Cognitive Health and Aging
• Public Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Background:

• Malnutrition is a significant health concern in low- and middle-income countries, contributing to cognitive decline and other health issues.
• Late-life cognition and dementia are critical areas of study, particularly in diverse populations.
• Understanding the relationship between nutritional status and cognitive function in older adults is essential for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between nutritional status and cognitive abilities in older adults.
• To investigate the link between various nutritional parameters and cognitive impairment using data from the Harmonized Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI DAD).
• To identify specific nutritional indicators associated with cognitive performance in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive statistics were used to analyze nutritional parameters (BMI, waist-hip ratio, Mini-Nutritional Assessment), cognitive functions, and socio-demographic variables.
• Data from 2,892 adults aged 60 years and older from the LASI DAD study were analyzed.
• Cognitive domains included delayed recall, orientation, language, executive function, abstract reasoning, and attention. Cognitive impairment was defined as impaired performance in two or more domains.

Main Results:

• Low body-mass index (BMI), being at risk of malnutrition, and being malnourished (based on Mini-Nutritional Assessment) were significantly associated with cognitive impairment (adjusted ORs ranging from 1.88 to 2.86, p < .001).
• Conversely, better cognitive performance was linked to higher BMI (adjusted OR: 0.74, p = .03), higher hemoglobin levels (adjusted OR: 0.91, p = .006), and higher serum albumin levels (adjusted OR: 0.38, p < .001).
• The study found strong associations between nutritional status, assessed by anthropometric measures and blood markers, and cognitive performance in older adults.

Conclusions:

• Nutritional status is a critical determinant of cognitive health in older adults in low- and middle-income settings.
• Interventions aimed at improving nutritional status, including addressing low BMI and malnutrition, may help prevent or mitigate cognitive impairment in the elderly.
• The findings underscore the importance of integrating nutritional assessments and interventions into geriatric care to support cognitive function and overall well-being.