For Researchers

Dairy Consumption and Risk of Frailty in Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

A. Lana, F. Rodriguez-Artalejo and E. Lopez-Garcia

J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015;63(9):1852-60

Some studies have found positive effects of dairy consumption in older people, but the evidence base for this recommendation remains scarce. This study aimed to examining the association between consumption of dairy products and risk of frailty in community-dwelling older adults. Data obtained shown that higher consumption of low-fat milk and yogurt are associated with lower risk of frailty and, specifically, lower risk of slow walking speed and weight loss.

Energetics of Aging and Frailty: The FRADEA Study

P. Abizanda, L. Romero, P.M. Sánchez-Jurado, et al.

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2016;71(6):787-96

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) decrease with aging, but it is not known whether frailty modulates this association. Authors hypothesize that RMR and TDEE values are similar between younger and older nonfrail adults, whereas they are lower in older prefrail and frail compared with younger adults. This study shows that frailty status modulates the energy requirements of aging. Frail and prefrail older adults present lower eRMR than nonfrail adults.

The impact of sleep on age-related sarcopenia: Possible connections and clinical implications

R.D. Piovezan, J. Abucham, R.V. Dos Santos, et al.

Ageing Res Rev. 2015 ;23(Pt B):210-20

Reductions in duration and quality of sleep and increases in prevalence of circadian rhythm and sleep disorders with age favor proteolysis, modify body composition and increase the risk of insulin resistance, all of which have been associated with sarcopenia. Therapeutic approaches targeting sleep disturbances to normalize circadian rhythms and sleep homeostasis may represent a novel strategy to preserve or recover muscle health in older adults.

Prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia among adults living in nursing homes

H. E. Senior, T. R. Henwood, E. M. Beller, et al.

Maturitas 2015; 82: 418–423

Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of skeletal muscle and muscle function, with significant health and disability consequences for older adults. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia among older residential aged care adults using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) criteria.

Effects of a vitamin D and leucine-enriched whey protein nutritional supplement on measures of sarcopenia in older adults, the PROVIDE study: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

J.M. Bauer, S. Verlaan, I. Bautmans, et al.

J Am Med Dir Assoc.2015;16:740-747

This study was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind, 2 parallel-group trial among 380 sarcopenic primarily independent-living older adults. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that a specific oral nutritional supplement can result in improvements in measures of sarcopenia. Improvements in muscle mass and lower-extremity function were observed, suggesting that nutritional supplementation alone might benefit geriatric patients.

Nutritional, Physical, Cognitive and Combination Interventions and Frailty Reversal Among Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

T. P. Ng, L. Feng, M.S. Nyunt, et al.

Am J Med.2015;128:1225-1236.e1

This study aimed to assess the reversibility of frailty in 246 community-living prefrail and frail older people in Singapore (mean age: 70 years). Participants were randomly assigned to 5 different 6-month interventions: nutritional supplementation, physical training, cognitive training, combination treatment and usual care control. Frailty score, body mass index, knee extension strength, gait speed, energy/vitality, physical activity levels and secondary outcomes (activities of daily living dependency, hospitalization and falls) were assessed at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months.

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