Aakriti Gupta
PhD scholar
Title: ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF GERIATRIC SUBJECTS SUFFERING FROM VASCULAR DEMENTIA
Biography
Biography: Aakriti Gupta
Abstract
Introduction: Vascular dementia (VaD) has been shown to have a detrimental effect on the nutritional status of the geriatric population. Whereas, malnutrition has been suggested as an important risk factor for onset and progression of VaD. There is little published data regarding nutritional status of geriatric population suffering with VaD. Hence, the present study was conducted.
Method: A hospital based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the year 2014- 2015 in New Delhi. A total of 48 subjects suffering with VaD confirmed as per NINDS AIREN criteria, aged 55 years and above were enrolled. Data was collected on socio-demographic profile, clinical profile of vascular disease risk factors, mini nutritional assessment, dietary intake (24hr food record and food frequency questionnaire), anthropometric profile from all the subjects.
Results: We found that 69% (n=33) of the subjects were at risk of malnutrition. Subjects with moderate VaD had significantly worse nutritional status (p<0.01) as compared to the subjects with mild VaD. With increasing severity of VaD, the nutritional status of the subjects declined significantly (p<0.01). Subjects with moderate VaD had lower nutrient intake and adequacy for all nutrients than subjects with mild VaD.
Conclusion: The nutritional status of subjects with VaD is poor due to several factors. There is a need for initiating timely dietary interventions to improve the overall nutritional status and prevent further nutrition related complications in subjects with VaD. This may aid in alleviation and reversal of symptoms of dementia amongst the subjects.