Assessment of cognitive functions, physical activity, nutritional status in elderly and senile people with probable osteosarcopenia

Bulgakova S.V., Sharonova L.A., Kurmaev D.P., Treneva E.V., Kosareva O.V., Dolgikh Yu.A., Merzlova P.Ya.

Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia

Background. Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are common geriatric syndromes, and their combination is called osteosarcopenia. However, the relationship between osteosarcopenia and physical activity, cognitive function, and nutritional status in elderly and senile people has not been fully studied.
Objective. Evaluation of cognitive functions, physical activity, and nutritional status in elderly and senile people with probable osteosarcopenia.
Methods. The study included 337 elderly and senile people (mean age 78±7.4 years), 68.6% were women. All study participants underwent collection of complaints and life history, medical history; anthropometric indicators were determined, and a comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Results. 78 (23.1%) participants had normal BMD/osteopenia and normal hand grip strength, 69 (20.5%) had normal BMD/osteopenia and probable sarcopenia, 61 (18.1%) had osteoporosis and normal hand grip strength, and 129 (38.3%) – osteoporosis with probable sarcopenia (probable osteosarcopenia). The group with probable osteosarcopenia had the significantly highest Charlson comorbidity index (3.0 [2.0; 5.0] points); the incidence of cognitive impairment was 35.7%, depression was observed in 29.5% of patients, the risk of malnutrition was 36.4%, and malnutrition incidence was 12.4%.
Conclusion. Due to the presence of impairments in cognitive functions, functional activity, and nutritional status in elderly and senile patients with osteosarcopenia, early comprehensive geriatric assessment and timely development of therapeutic and rehabilitation measures are necessary to improve the quality and life expectancy.

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About the Authors

Corresponding author: Svetlana V. Bulgakova, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Endocrinology and Geriatrics, Samara State Medical University, Samara, Russia; osteoporosis63@gmail.com

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