Nutritional deficiencies in adults and elderly

Abstract. It is an unquestionable fact that the economic development and subsistence of nations depend highly on the health and adequate nutritional status of their economically active population. The concern arises in the light of evidence on adult nutritional deficiencies in some social strata of our country. Malnutrition is the pathological state that results from the inadequate consumption of one or more essential nutrients. Clinically it is manifested by biochemical tests and anthropometric indicators, and affects the response of the individual to different processes of disease as well as to the established therapies. Malnutrition is associated to loss of corporal fat mass and to a certain degree to the loss of muscle mass. In addition, malnutrition is associated to: a) alteration of the immunity; b) retardation in the healing of wounds or appearance of ulcers by hyperpressure; c) falls; d) cognitive deterioration; e) osteopenia; f ) alteration in the metabolism of drugs; g) sarcopenia; h) reduction of the maxima respiratory capacity. In Venezuela, there are population sub-groups that, due to their special social and economical status, are at a higher risk of developing nutritional problems. Studies (1997 to 2004) have shown that malnutrition and other nutritional deficiencies are present with variable intensity in both adults and the elderly. It is logical to think that when household food security is compromised, all family members are harmed, specially the children, pregnant women and the elderly. This is the reason why it is necessary to have a surveillance system that monitors the nutritional status of low-income adults and elderly from a just sanitary justice point of view, as well as the development of health and nutrition interventions and social support

Incidence of Dementia in Elderly Latin Americans: Results of the Maracaibo Aging Study

Introduction—There are few longitudinal studies of dementia in developing countries. We used longitudinal data from the Maracaibo Aging Study (MAS) to accurately determine the age- and sex-specific incidence of dementia in elderly Latin Americans. Methods—The DSM IV-R was used to diagnose dementia, which was classified as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), or other. Age- and sex-specific incidence was estimated as the number of new cases of dementia divided by person-years of follow-up (p-y). Results—The incidence of all dementia diagnoses was 9.10 per 1000 p-y (95% CI 7.13–11.44; 8026 total p-y), 5.18 for AD (95% CI 3.72–7.03; 7916 total p-y), and 3.35 for VaD (95% CI 2.19–4.91; 7757 total p-y). Discussion—Among MAS participants under 65 years of age, the incidence of dementia was higher than that of US whites. Among individuals over 65 years of age, the incidence was comparable to the mean of previous incidence estimates for other populations worldwide

La evidencia científica y el arte de envejecer

El envejecimiento demográfico de la población es un fenómeno mundial como resultado de las políticas de salud pública y del desarrollo socioeconómico. Sin embargo, el proceso de envejecimiento es individual y heterogéneo, ya que no todas las personas envejecen de la misma manera, como reflejo de las acciones y omisiones a lo largo de la vida. Las investigaciones realizadas en la última década han mostrado que la calidad de vida en la vejez tiene un enfoque multidimensional, que enfatiza no sólo el funcionamiento físico, la energía y vitalidad personal, sino también el bienestar psicológico, espiritual y emocional, el funcionamiento social y sexual, los apoyos recibidos y percibidos, y la satisfacción con la vida. De tal forma que la concepción del envejecimiento activo, positivo y saludable, está basado en la prevención y promoción de la salud como medio de ampliar la esperanza de vida saludable con calidad de vida. Toda la evidencia científica disponible da cuenta de la importancia de la promoción de estilos de vida saludables relacionados con: actividad física, alimentación, tabaquismo, salud mental y relaciones familiares y sociales. El arte de envejecer es la visión de mundo sintetizada a través de ideas, emociones, sentimientos, cultura y una forma particular de ser y hacer. La meta no es solo “añadir años a la vida, sino vida a los años”.The global population ageing is a result of public health policies and socioeconomic development. However ageing is an individualized process, and each individual ages differently (heterogeneity) as a reflex of actions and omissions throughout life. Research in the last decade have shown that quality of life is a multidimensional approach that emphasizes not only physical functioning and energy and personal vitality, but also psychological, spiritual, emotional, social and sexual functioning, supports received and perceived, and satisfaction with life. The concept of active ageing, positive and healthy, is based on prevention and health promotion as a means of extending the healthy life expectancy with quality of life, taking as its starting point the available scientific evidence on healthy lifestyles: physical activity, diet, smoking, mental health and family and social relationships. The Art of Aging worldview is synthesized through ideas, emotions, feelings, culture and a particular way of being and doing, adding years to life and life to years