Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism
Original Paper
Assessment of Nutritional Risk in the ElderlyNikolaus T. · Bach M. · Siezen S. · Volkert D. · Oster P. · Schlierf G.Geriatrisches Zentrum Bethanien am Klinikum der Universität Heidelberg, Deutschland
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Article / Publication Details
Received: April 28, 1995
Accepted: July 03, 1995
Published online: November 20, 2008
Issue release date: 1995
Number of Print Pages: 6
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0250-6807 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9697 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/ANM
Abstract
To enhance physicians’ awareness of nutritional problems in the elderly, a nutritional risk assessment scale was developed and validated. 126 patients (mean age 82.0 ± 6.7, range 65–96 years) admitted from home to a geriatric hospital were enrolled in the study. After informed consent was obtained, they underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment of physical, emotional, and cognitive functions, overall functional capacity, and social situation. The nutritional status was assessed by the nutritional risk assessment scale. This scale consists of items relating to gastrointestinal disorders, chronic diseases with pain, immobility, alterations in body weight, appetite, difficulties in eating, cognitive or emotional problems, medication, smoking and drinking habits, and social situation. The maximum score which indicates a high risk is 12. The scores from the nutritional risk assessment scale were compared with a physician’s clinical judgement (patients being graded as ‘obese’, ‘well-nourished’, ‘undernourished’) as the ‘gold standard’ and with body mass index, other anthropometric findings, and serum albumin and prealbumin levels. The nutritional risk assessment scale was reliable (inter- and intrarater) and showed construct and concurrent validity. There was a significant correlation with clinical judgement (p < 0.01) and other parameters of nutritional status (p < 0.05). The scores of undernourished patients (n = 37; 5.35 ± 1.60, range 3–8) were significantly different (p < 0.05) from those who were classified as well nourished (n = 63; 2.66 ± 1.59, range 0–7) or obese (n = 26; 2.73 ± 1.76, range 0–7). When implemented as part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment, this questionnaire can be completed within 5–10 min. The nutritional risk assessment scale is simple and reliable and helps in the identification of elderly patients at risk of poor nutrition.
© 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel
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Article / Publication Details
Received: April 28, 1995
Accepted: July 03, 1995
Published online: November 20, 2008
Issue release date: 1995
Number of Print Pages: 6
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 0
ISSN: 0250-6807 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9697 (Online)
For additional information: https://www.karger.com/ANM
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Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
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