The present study described a population of older people in home health care based on a previously published novel theoretical model and analyzed longitudinal changes in different dimensions of nutritional status.

This explorative and longitudinal study examined nutritional status based on four domains in the novel theoretical model: health and somatic disorders; cognitive, affective, and sensory function; physical function and capacity; food and nutrition. It included 69 individuals of age ≥65 y and needing home health care for more than three months. The study evaluated Participants′ nutritional status at baseline and regularly during the following three years.

The study observed-

• Presence of one or more severe symptoms in 44% and polypharmacy (≥5 prescribed medications) in 83% at baseline.
• 83%, 44%, 34%, and 45% prevalence of malnutrition, sarcopenia, frailty, and dehydration, respectively, at baseline.
• The difference between participants who died during the 3-y follow-up (n = 14) and survivors in aspects like more declined appetite, impaired quality of life, worse cognitive function, reduced physical activity, and limited dietary fiber and water intake.
• Association between dehydration at baseline and lower function in several domains and with general decline over time.

This study observed poor nutritional status among the majority of the participants. Dehydration and reduced appetite can be important indicators of worsening nutritional and overall status and mortality.

Engelheart S, Forslund HB, Brummer RJ, Ljungqvist O. Dehydration and loss of appetite: Key nutrition features in older people receiving home health care. Nutrition. 2021;91–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2021.111385.