Impact of sarcopenic obesity on the clinical characteristics of older patients with visual impairment

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia and obesity, collectively referred to as sarcopenic obesity, are associated with decreased functional activity and mobility, as well as an increased risk of falls and fractures. However, the clinical characteristics and geriatric syndromes in older patients with visual impairment and sarcopenic obesity have not been previously studied.

AIM: The work aimed to investigate the impact of sarcopenic obesity on the clinical characteristics and geriatric syndromes of older patients with visual impairment.

METHODS: The study examined 203 older adults with sarcopenic obesity and visual impairment. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity in the same visually impaired patient, characterized by both increased body fat and loss of muscle mass. Obesity was assessed by a body mass index of ≥30.0 kg/m², and sarcopenia was evaluated according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People scale. Assessment tools included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), ADL, IADL, and CES-D scales. Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA).

RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity was 51.7%. Older adults with visual impairment who lived alone were more likely to have sarcopenic obesity compared to patients aged 60–74 years with visual impairment but without sarcopenic obesity (52.0 ± 1.2 vs 35.1 ± 1.5 percent). The incidence of cognitive impairment was also higher in older patients with both visual impairment and sarcopenic obesity. Sarcopenic obesity influenced the development of geriatric frailty syndrome, the frequency of falls, and reductions in basic and instrumental activities of daily living among patients aged 60–74 years with visual impairment. The body mass index of older patients with both visual impairment and sarcopenic obesity averaged 32.1 ± 1.1 kg/m², confirming the presence of the condition.

CONCLUSION: Sarcopenic obesity affects the geriatric status of older patients with visual impairment. From a gerontoprophylactic standpoint, these patients require more careful and continuous monitoring by gerontologists, geriatricians, and ophthalmologists.