Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of nutritional status on the cognitive function of individuals 60 years or above living in and Islamabad and its vicinity.
Study Design: Cross sectional study
Place of Study: Islamabad Medical and Dental College Islamabad.
Duration of Study: Three months time period from 1st February to 1st May 2014.
Methodology: 100 individuals having age 60 years or above were selected by using convenience sampling.
Nutritional status was assessed by using tools (MNA) Mini Nutritional Assessment and cognitive function was assessed by using (MMSE) Mini Mental State Examination. Questionnaire was given to the participants. Data was collected, analyzed and summarized using SPSS version 16.00.Percentages were used in the analysis and interpretation of the results.
Results: A total of 100 participants 50 males and 50 females took part in the study. In elder participants nutritional status was assessed. The cognitive analysis was also done. The effect of nutritional status on cognitive function was insignificant (p>0.05). It was found that the nutritional status of an individual does not affect the cognition, irrespective of age. The better the awareness and understanding of health the sounder will be cognition, because there is delay in deteriorative changes.
Conclusion: The present study screens the malnourished cases and also the candidates with severe cognitive impairment. These candidates can be given proper advice and treatment. To prevent such risk factors in the future, this test can be the basis of screening but diagnosis cannot be made. The diet and awareness should be given importance regarding health, physical as well as mental.

Key words: Nutritional status, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)