PURPOSE:The primary objective of this systematic review is to explore the role of AI-driven interventions in preventing and managing malnutrition in older adults. METHODS:Using PRISMA guidelines, the authors searched electronic databases for relevant studies from the past five years. The authors appraised selected studies on AI-driven nutritional interventions for older adults using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools, assessing for potential bias before synthesizing the findings. RESULTS:The review found that AI-driven intervention, such as personalized meal plans and self-monitoring apps, hold promise for improving dietary habits. AI models also showed high accuracy in predicting malnutrition risks and screening for early signs, like swallowing difficulties. Preventative tools were identified as valuable for proactive care, and the importance of user-centred design and the role of healthcare professionals in improving technology adoption was highlighted. KEY CONCLUSIONS:AI-driven interventions have significant potential for improving nutrition care for older adults through personalized strategies. However, challenges like usability, data privacy, and the need for validation in diverse settings must be addressed. Future research should focus on refining these technologies and including underrepresented populations to improve the health and quality of life of older adults.
BACKGROUND:Malnutrition is a critical but often under-recognized associated with adverse health outcomes in older adults with diabetes. This study aimed to examine the relationship between nutritional status and geriatric syndromes in a low-resource context. METHODS:We conducted a cross-sectional study among 100 older adults with diabetes in urban slums of Casablanca, Morocco. Standardized tools were used to assess nutritional status, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, functional status, quality of life, and comorbidity burden. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed using Jamovi version 2.3. RESULTS:In adjusted models, better nutritional status was independently associated with improved cognitive function (β = 1.31, P < 0.001), reduced depressive symptoms (β = -0.508, P < 0.001), higher quality of life (β = 2.80, P < 0.001), greater functional independence (Katz: β = 0.330, P < 0.001; Lawton: β = 0.497, P < 0.001), and lower comorbidity burden (β = -0.115, P = 0.002). These associations remained significant after adjusting for HbA1c and physical activity. CONCLUSIONS:Nutritional status is a central independent predictor of geriatric syndromes in older adults with diabetes. Routine nutritional screening may help identify individuals at increased risk of functional impairment, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life.
BACKGROUND:Cognitive impairment in older adults has been linked to low serum Vitamin B12 (B12) and elevated homocysteine (HCY) levels, but evidence remains inconclusive. This study examined their relationship with cognitive impairment among older adults in India. METHODS:This retrospective case note-based study included 96 subjects: cognitively normal (n = 21), Alzheimer's disease (AD; n = 42), and other cognitive disorders (n = 33). The mean age was 70.1 (± 8.9) years, with 58% males. Cognitive function was assessed using the Hindi Mental Status Examination (HMSE). Serum B12 (pg/ml) and HCY (micromol/L) levels were measured. Pearson's correlation, multiple linear regression, and bootstrapped mediation analyses were performed. RESULTS:Elevated HCY (>15 micromol/L) was seen in 72%, and low B12 (<200 pg/mL) in 33%. The mean HMSE score was 16.9 (± 8.5). No significant correlation was found between HMSE scores and HCY (r = -0.006, p = 0.95) or B12 (r = 0.12, p = 0.23). HCY levels were higher in cognitively impaired groups than controls, but not significantly. Regression analysis showed gender as a significant predictor, while B12, HCY, and age were not. CONCLUSION:B12 and HCY levels were not independently associated with cognitive performance. No significant moderation effect between B12 and HCY on HMSE scores was observed.
