Nutritional status, Vitamin B12 level, physical performance and disabilities in the elderly

Abstract

Background: Nutritional need throughout life is not statics and changes associated with nutritional requirement of the elderly may be related to many factors like; normal aging processes, medical conditions, psychological and physical factors, or lifestyles and functional incapability. The prevalence of low B12 level increases with age. Along with hematological, neuropsychological, and cardiovascular diseases, B12 deficiency has been associated with myeloneuropathy, optic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and weakness in lower extremities. Aim of study: The projected study aims to assess the effects of vitamin B12 level and nutritional status on the physical performance and functional status of elderly peoples visiting geriatric care clinic at Baghdad medical city. Subjects and Method: Across sectional study was conducted on elderly people visiting geriatric care clinic in Baghdad teaching hospital at Baghdad medical city/Iraq. Participants from age 60 years and above had been recruited for the study and selected by a convenient sampling technique. We used a pre-tested questionnaire form, B12 level measurement, Mini-Nutritional Assessment Score, the short physical performance battery, six-minute walking test and investigating activities of daily living. Results: A total of 100 geriatric participants included in the study, the prevalence of low B12 level is 35% expressed some degree of limitation in physical performance and difficulties in performing instrumental activities of daily living while the prevalence of limited physical performance is 54% among malnourished and those with at risk of malnutrition in addition to significancy in association with basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Conclusion In this study we found

1. significant association between poor nutritional status and poor physical performance.
2. statistical association of nutritional status with functioning (both basic and instrumental activities of daily living show significant association).
3. significant association of B12 level and physical performance.
4. Statistical relationship of B12 level with instrumental activity of daily living but with basic activities of daily living show insignificant relationship.