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Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

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Dr. Rosario Alonso-Domínguez

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
Interests: nursing; diabetes mellitus; eHealth; nutrition and dietetics; aged
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Teresa Vicente-García

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Guest Editor Assistant

Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
Interests: self care; life style; nursing; aged; nutrition assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The nutritional status of older adults living in the community is a critical aspect of promoting healthy aging and preventing complications associated with chronic diseases. As the global population ages, nutrition-related conditions in this age group become increasingly important, as they directly influence quality of life, functional capacity, and the prevention of chronic diseases. Aging brings about a series of physiological, social, and economic changes that can affect nutrient intake and utilization, potentially leading to malnutrition, muscle loss, cognitive decline, and an increased risk of morbidity and mortality.

This Special Issue aims to gather research that analyzes the factors influencing the eating habits of older adults living in the community, as well as those related to malnutrition, obesity, and other metabolic disorders prevalent in this population. The purpose is to provide a solid scientific foundation that supports the design of interventions and public policies aimed at improving nutrition and, consequently, the quality of life of this vulnerable group.

Dr. Rosario Alonso-Domínguez
Guest Editors

Dr. Teresa Vicente-García
Guest Editor Assistant

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15 pages, 397 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Habitual Diet Quality and Nutrient Intake with Cognitive Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Samitinjaya Dhakal, Nirajan Ghimire and Sophia Bass

Nutrients 2025, 17(19), 3139; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193139 - 30 Sep 2025

Abstract

Objectives: The rapid aging of the U.S. population has raised concerns about age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, we aimed to characterize diet quality, nutrient intake, and to examine the associations between specific dietary components and cognitive performance in older adults. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Setting: Community-based recruitment. Participants: Data from 72 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older was analyzed. Measurements: Cognitive performance was assessed using subtests from the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) battery, evaluating episodic memory (Word List Memory/Recall/Recognition), visuospatial skills (Constructional Praxis), and executive function (Verbal Fluency). A composite cognitive score was calculated from memory and visuospatial subtests. Habitual dietary intake was evaluated using structured 24-h recalls to calculate nutrient intake and the Healthy Eating Index score, supplemented by the Short HEI questionnaire. Demographics, health history, depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were also collected. Results: Participants demonstrated suboptimal diet quality (mean HEI score 62.9 ± 10.69; recommended >80), with only 9.7% meeting fiber recommendations, 11% meeting calcium or vitamin A recommendations, and 1.4% meeting vitamin D requirements. In bivariate comparisons, higher cognitive performance was observed in younger participants (75.5 vs. 79.5 years; p < 0.01) and females (78% vs. 50%; p = 0.024). Regression models identified significant positive associations between cognitive scores and intakes of dietary fiber (p = 0.007), unsaturated fats (mono- and polyunsaturated; p = 0.012–0.033), protein (p = 0.018), carotenoids (α-carotene, p = 0.001; β-carotene, p = 0.026; lutein + zeaxanthin, p = 0.016), vitamins A (p = 0.044) and E (p = 0.034), and minerals including magnesium (p = 0.006), potassium (p = 0.004), copper (p = 0.008), zinc (p = 0.024), and calcium (p = 0.035). Refined grain intake was inversely associated with cognition (p = 0.011). Conclusions: In this population, dietary components like fiber and micronutrients were positively associated with better cognitive function, and the overall nutrient intake shortfalls observed highlight the need for targeted dietary interventions to support healthy brain aging. Therefore, this work advances our understanding by highlighting potential modifiable nutritional targets for clinical trials focused on delaying or preventing cognitive decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults)

14 pages, 533 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Determinants of Malnutrition in Community-Dwelling Adults Aged 65 and over in Eastern Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Emine Kemaloğlu, Betül Çiçek, Melih Kaan Sözmen and Mehmetcan Kemaloğlu

Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2522; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152522 - 31 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Malnutrition in older adults is both preventable and treatable, yet its detection and etiology remain complex. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition and various factors involved in the etiology of malnutrition in community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with community-dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older in a health center in Ağrı, Türkiye. The nutritional status of older adults was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and a series of validated instruments, including the Standardized Mini Mental Examination (MMSE), body composition measurements (BIA), dietary intake records, and physical performance tests such as hand grip strength, chair stand, and Timed ‘Up & Go’ (TUG) Test. Statistical analyses included chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests for group comparisons and logistic regression to investigate independent factors associated with risk of malnutrition. Results: A total of 182 participants were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 72.1 ± 6.0 years. Of the participants, 59.3% were male. 1.6% of the participants were malnourished, and 25.3% were at risk of malnutrition. Perceived health status compared to peers (OR: 1.734, 95% CI: 1.256–2.392, p = 0.001), lower appetite status (OR: 1.942, 95% CI: 1.459–2.585, p < 0.001) and lower waist circumference (OR: 1.089, 95% CI: 1.040–1.140, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of malnutrition risk. Conclusions: The risk of malnutrition was higher among individuals with lower appetite, poorer self-perceived health status compared to peers, and smaller waist circumference. Reduced physical function and strength were also associated with an increased risk of malnutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults)

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