Vitamin D deficiency associated with self-neglect in the elderly.
BACKGROUND
Vitamin D deficiency is common in elders. However, little is known about the implications of vitamin D deficiency in elder self-neglect.


OBJECTIVE
To characterize a group of self-neglecting elders with vitamin D deficiency based on clinical, cognitive, and functional status. Participants. Forty-four self-neglecting elders referred by the Adult Protective Services.


METHODS
Vitamin D status of the self-neglecting elders was based upon serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD). Demographics, cognitive, and functional characteristics of vitamin D deficient self-neglecting elders were described and compared to those without vitamin D deficiency.


RESULTS
Vitamin D deficiency (25-OHD < 25 nmol/L) was detected in 16 out of 44 self-neglecting elders (36%). Self-neglecting elders with vitamin D deficiency had lower scores in the Physical Performance Test and higher scores in the Kohlman Evaluation of Living Skills, compared with those who were not vitamin D deficient (p = 0.014 and p = 0.018 respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D deficiency is common in elder self-neglect. Self-neglecting elders with vitamin D deficiency have impaired physical performance and inadequate living skills, which can be potentially improved by treating vitamin D deficiency.
Aung
Koko
K
CREST, University of Texas Medical School--Houston, University of Texas Health Science Center--San Antonio Division of General Internal Medicine, 78229-3901, USA. aung@uthscsa.edu
Burnett
Jason
J
Smith
Scott M
SM
Dyer
Carmel Bitondo
CB
D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D004552:Elder Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*
D015415:Biomarkers; D014807:Vitamin D; C104450:25-hydroxyvitamin D