Physical and Cognitive Functions in Elderly Patients with Obesity

Introduction: Sarcopenic Obesity (SO) is an increasingly prevalent condition in the elderly population. It combines both obesity (OB) and sarcopenia and is associated with physical and cognitive impairment. Implicated in the pathogenesis of this condition is chronic sterile inflammation, with emerging studies on its correlation with cognitive decline in patients. By contrasting these results with those of healthy persons and accepted normal norms, this thesis explores the relationship between sarcopenic obesity and cognitive function in the elderly. Goal and Scope of the Study: This study's primary objective is to examine the connection between SO and older people's cognitive abilities. Specifically, the study evaluates health markers and cognitive performance in individuals with OB and SO and compares them to the results of healthy individuals. Additionally, the study seeks to investigate the correlation between adipose tissue and chronic sterile inflammation and cognitive decline. Materials and Methods: This study uses a range of tests to assess cognitive and physical health. Physical performance tests (SPPB, 6-MWT, handgrip strength, dynamometer) and anthropometric measurements are used to assess body composition and functional capacities, including the diagnosis of SO. Activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) are used to measure functional autonomy, while the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) is used to evaluate comorbidities. Cognitive performance is evaluated by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI-Q). The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is used to assess nutritional status, and the DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is used to measure body composition. Normal levels and healthy controls are used to compare the outcomes.