Different modes of weight loss in Alzheimer disease: a prospective study of 395 patients.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer disease is often accompanied and worsened by malnutrition. Patterns of weight loss can differ by the patients concerned and by the outcome and interventions required.
OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to describe and analyze 2 modes of weight loss (progressive and severe) in the course of Alzheimer disease.
DESIGN: This was a prospective study of 395 patients with Alzheimer disease, who had a mean age of 75.4 y. A standardized gerontologic evaluation was conducted at 6 mo and 1 y, including assessments of nutrition, neuropsychology, function, and caregiver burden.
RESULTS: We investigated 2 modes of weight loss. The first, progressive loss (4% in 1 y), affected 33.4% of subjects. Disease severity was a risk factor [odds ratio (OR): 7.2; 95% CI: 1.4, 38.2 for a Reisberg score > or = 5], whereas treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors at baseline decreased this risk (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.79). The second mode of weight loss, a severe loss of > or =5 kg in 6 mo, affected 10.2% of subjects. The existence of an acute phase reaction was a risk factor (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.8), as was an intercurrent event, such as hospitalization, acute disease, institutionalization, and change of living arrangements (OR: 6.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 39.9).
CONCLUSION: During the follow-up of patients with Alzheimer disease, risk factors for these 2 modes of weight loss should be sought to identify patients who would benefit from a nutritional intervention. Our findings lead us to advocate follow-up, which involves an assessment of functional, nutritional, and neuropsychologic status every 6 mo.