The Influence of Uric Acid Concentration on the Daily Functioning of Patients at an Advanced Age, Based on the...

Background/Objectives: The concentration of uric acid in the body of older adults may have various effects. Due to the multidirectional influence on metabolism, its significance in the daily functioning of older persons remains unclear. The present investigation explored whether serum uric acid levels are associated with scores on standard geriatric assessment scales in hospitalized older adults. Methods: In total, 77 patients admitted to the hospital for the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment were recruited and classified into three groups: successfully treated for hyperuricemia, untreated or unsuccessfully treated with elevated uric acid levels, and untreated controls having normal uric acid levels. The analysis considered the relationship between the concentration of uric acid in patients from different study groups and the assigned classes defined by the ranges of the questionnaires used for the study. Results: Significant differences were shown in the distribution of classes defined by Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE-III) and the MNA questionnaires concerning the study groups. Moreover, significant differences were confirmed when using compartmentalization based only on the screening test results for the ACE-III, the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). For ACE-III, a lower percentage of people with probable dementia was observed in the control group (34.5%) than in the group with elevated uric acid values (78.3%). Conclusions: Although the mechanisms related to uric acid's influence on older people's functioning require further research, the available evidence indicates a negative impact of elevated uric acid levels on cognitive functions and the nutritional status of older individuals.