Healthy seniors with a normal nutritional level in the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) identified as at risk for status decline and impaired function

Older adults are potentially vulnerable for malnutrition, risk which can be assessed by the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA). To answer the question, whether the MNA can also assess healthy, normal nourished seniors and to check for correlations on functional disabilities and risk factors for functional status decline, 58 independent living, healthy elderly persons with an MNA above 24 points were studied. Different clinical and laboratory exams were performed and a comprehensive geriatric assessment was carried out. There was a non age-dependent correlation for the number of risks in the Lachs' screening, for the number of drugs taken, for the hemoglobin concentration, the level of the g-GT and for mobility assessment tested by the ,,Timed Up & Go Test" and the ,,POMA''. The MNA can also distinguish in the,normal" range from 24 to 30 points between persons at risk for functional status decline or persons with slightly impaired functions.