Journal of nutrition in gerontology and geriatrics
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J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr · Jan 2013
Comparative StudyNutritional status and related factors in elderly nursing home residents: comparative cross-sectional study in migrants and native Germans.
Former guest workers in Germany who stayed on after retirement are now older than 70 years. Nursing homes (NH) are broadening their offer to meet specific requirements of this population. The nutritional status and related problems of the older ethnic minority group living in German NH has so far not been investigated. ⋯ Energy intake was low (6.4 ± 1.4, 6.8 ± 1.6 MJ/d). More than 50% of participants fell below recommended values for vitamin C, B1, B6, D, folate, calcium, and iron; 61% of the migrants had a low vitamin B12 intake. Migrant NH residents were more often undernourished than German NH residents.
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J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr · Jan 2013
Dietary habits moderate the association between heart failure and cognitive impairment.
Cognitive impairment is common in heart failure patients. Poor dietary habits are associated with reduced neurocognitive function in other medical populations, including diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. This study examined whether dietary habits help moderate the relationship between heart failure severity and cognitive function. ⋯ Follow-up analyses revealed consumption of foods high in sodium was associated with reduced cognitive function (p < 0.05). This study suggests dietary habits can moderate the association between heart failure and performance on tests of attention and executive function. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm and clarify the mechanisms for our findings.