Correlation between Nutritional Status and Mental Well-Being among Older Adults

Abstract Following global population aging, a growing trend of malnutrition among older adults has been observed. This not only places a greater burden on health care but also increases the risks of disability, falls, and death. Malnutrition may also raise the risk of dementia and depression. This study explored the impact of malnutrition on the mental state of older adults by evaluating their nutritional status. A cross-sectional dataset was used, including demographic information, nutritional status, physical function assessment, medical history, cognitive function status, and geriatric depressive tendencies. A total of 299 older outpatients were enrolled, with a mean age of 73.82 ± 5.35 years. Compared with the malnutrition group, the normal nutrition group showed lower proportions of cognitive impairment (9.58%) and depressive tendencies (3.75%), while the malnutrition group had higher rates of cognitive impairment (25.42%) and depressive tendencies (20.34%). Results from adjusted logistic regression analysis indicated that maintaining a normal nutritional status significantly protected against cognitive impairment and depression. Overall, nutritional status, physical function, cognitive function, and geriatric depressive tendencies were strongly correlated.