Impact of Severe Sarcopenia on Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study

J Gerontol Nurs. 2025 Aug 19:1-10. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20250811-01. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To examine the impact of sarcopenia severity on depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) among community-dwelling older adults with dementia, using the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted at neurological outpatient clinics in Taiwan. Participants included 120 older adults aged ≥65 years with dementia (as determined by a Clinical Dementia Rating score ≤2). Sarcopenia severity was classified based on muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. Depressive symptoms and QoL were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36, respectively.

RESULTS: Severe sarcopenia was significantly associated with poorer QoL (p < 0.05), and no significant association was found between sarcopenia and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia severity negatively impacts QoL in older adults with dementia. Routine nursing assessments should include sarcopenia screening to guide interventions aimed at improving QoL, such as resistance training and nutritional support.

PMID:40825185 | DOI:10.3928/00989134-20250811-01