Evaluation of the Relationship Between Nutritional Status, Sarcopenia Risk, and Cognitive Status in Elderly Patients with Hip Fractures

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate nutritional status, sarcopenia risk, and cognitive function in elderly patients with hip fractures and to investigate the relationships between these parameters. Subjects and Method: This cross-sectional study included 140 patients aged 65 years and older who underwent surgery for hip fracture. Nutritional status, sarcopenia risk, and cognitive function were assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form (MNA-SF), the Simple Sarcopenia Questionnaire (SARC-F), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. Non-parametric tests, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed for statistical analyses. Results: A considerable proportion of the participants were identified as either malnourished or at risk of malnutrition; moreover, both the risk of sarcopenia and the prevalence of cognitive impairment were observed to be elevated within this population. MNA-SF scores showed a significant negative correlation with SARC-F scores and a significant positive correlation with MMSE scores (r=-0.397, p<0.001; r=0.362, p<0.001, respectively). Additionally, MMSE scores were negatively associated with SARC-F scores (r=-0.216, p=0.010). In multivariate regression analysis, both cognitive function and sarcopenia risk were significant predictors of nutritional status. Conclusion: Malnutrition, sarcopenia risk, and cognitive impairment are quite common and interrelated in elderly patients with hip fractures. Early screening and multidisciplinary interventions targeting nutritional status, muscle health, and cognitive function can contribute to improved postoperative recovery and overall clinical outcomes.