Abstract
Background : Although unintentional weight loss is a frequently encountered problem in care settings, little is known about when it starts. The authors observed body weight longitudinally in an elderly population and examined its association with mortality. Methods : Body weight was monitored in residents who lived in a nursing home for the elderly in Tokyo between fiscal years 2002 and 2004, with the final observation date set at October 2008 for survivors and at the date of death for those who died. The 3-year period before the final date was divided into six periods. A linear regression coefficient was calculated as the rate of weight change for each period and compared between survivors and those who died. Results : In the mortality group, significant weight loss was seen from 24 months before death : -0.42kg, -0.62kg, -0.90kg, and -1.78kg in 19-24 months, 13-18 months, 7-12 months, and 1-6 months before death, respectively. In the survival group, there was no significant change in any period. Logistic regression analysis showed that weight change adjusted by sex, age, dementia, and BMI was significantly associated with mortality. The weight loss was large in residents with dementia. Conclusions : Weight loss began 2 years before death. The findings suggest the importance of daily weight measurements to detect changes associated with mortality.
