Papers by Ólöf Guðný Geirsdóttir
Journal of cleaner production, Jun 1, 2024
Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring, Jun 14, 2024
Norsk tidsskrift for ernæring, Jun 14, 2024
Perspectives in nursing management and care for older adults, Nov 8, 2023
At the ESPEN congress in Vienna 2022, an international declaration to recognise nutritional care ... more At the ESPEN congress in Vienna 2022, an international declaration to recognise nutritional care as a human right was agreed [1, 2]. Especially in the care of older people, particularly those in hospitals or in long-term care facilities, nutrition and hydration are a fundamental aspect of care. Many older people do not eat and drink adequately during hospital stays and, following hip fracture, many patients achieve only a half of their recommended daily energy, protein, and other nutritional requirements [3, 4]. This leads to poor recovery, diminished health status and physical and functional ability, mortality, and a higher risk of other complications. Optimal nutrition and hydration are central to preventing and managing falls, osteoporosis, fragility fractures, chronic and acute health conditions, and frailty as well as recovery and rehabilitation following injury, fractures, and surgery. If nutritional care is optimised, all other aspects of care are likely to result in better outcomes.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Springer eBooks, 2021
This book is an open access publication.
Innovation in Aging, Jun 30, 2017
IAGG 2017 World Congress program. Task without and with procedural support were tested at differe... more IAGG 2017 World Congress program. Task without and with procedural support were tested at different performance levels for test duration and total number of conditions (total score). Compared to the CG the IG significantly improved in 2 out of 4 conditions (total score: p=0.002, level 3: p=0.001, with a trend in level 2 [p=0.09] and 4 [p=0.08], effect sizes, η2 ranging from 0.07-0.26) for the task without procedural support. With procedural support the IG improved in one out of two (level 2: p<0.001, η2 =0.36; level 3: p=0.10, η2 =0.12) but not in total score. Significant training gains sustained 3 months after training cessation. Increasing test complexity reduced number of participants thus decreasing statistical power. Training increased complex motor cognitive performances related to dynamic balance and memory in cognitively intact older persons independent from procedural support. Test challenges seemed sensitive to detect early memory deficits during dual tasking.
Innovation in Aging, Nov 1, 2019
comorbidities, polypharmacy was present in 61.5% of people with diabetes, compared with 36.0% in ... more comorbidities, polypharmacy was present in 61.5% of people with diabetes, compared with 36.0% in people without diabetes. Significant risk factors for polypharmacy were diabetes (Relative-risk ratios/RRR=4.06, 95% CI 3.38, 4.86), older age (RRR=1.02, 95% CI 1.01, 1.03), male (RRR=0.64, 95% CI 0.55, 0.75), more comorbidity (RRR=2.46, 95% CI 2.30, 2.62), living with a partner (RRR=1.20, 95% CI 1.01, 1.42), and less wealth (RRR=0.93, 95% CI 0.87, 0.98). However, age, cohabitation, and wealth were not significantly related to excessive polypharmacy. Diabetes and the number of comorbidities were predominant risk factors for excessive polypharmacy. Current evidences confirmed both health condition and socioeconomic status were associated with medication use in older adults.
Innovation in Aging, Nov 1, 2019
Mean MMSE score was 27.5±2.1 at baseline and 28.1±2.2 after the exercise intervention. After the ... more Mean MMSE score was 27.5±2.1 at baseline and 28.1±2.2 after the exercise intervention. After the intervention, 57 declined, 55 remained the same, and 120 have improved in MMSE scores. We found that the MMSE score after the intervention was significantly associated with baseline grip strength (beta=.03, P<.05) among healthy older adults, after adjusting basic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and mobility at baseline. Conclusion: Our study found that baseline grip strength was strongly associated with cognitive function after the 12 weeks of resistance training. Muscle power, such as grip strength may play an important role in the effect of exercise intervention on cognition even among healthy independent older adults.
Innovation in Aging, Jun 30, 2017
Falls are common among older people needing health care and are a serious public health problem i... more Falls are common among older people needing health care and are a serious public health problem in this population. Studies indicate that about 50-66% of people over 65 years who live in the nursing homes fall annually. Often, institutionalized older have fewer opportunities to participate in activities and tasks of daily living, having a higher deleterious effects in the physiological losses from aging, compromising gait and balance. Postural balance training involving new technologies can promote challenging situations for the older, increasing patient motivation and adherence to the program. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of virtual reality training on the static balance and mobility of older living at nursing homes. Five institutionalized older participated in the study and were submitted to 12 weeks of virtual reality training (Nintendo Wii® Balance Board). The static balance was assessed using a force platform (eyes open and closed base). Were used the total path length (cm), the mean velocity (cm/s) and the 95% of the ellipse area to measure the subject's stability. The mobility was assessed by TUG test. The results showed a decrease of TUG values pre and post-treatment (17.3 ± 4.3 and 14.7 ± 4.7, p=0.19). The static balance showed decrease pre and post-treatment in total path length (61.3 ± 18.7 and 59.8 ± 16.3, p=0.86) and mean velocity (2.08 ± 0.62 and 1.99 ± 0.54, p=0.75), but not in the 95% of the ellipse area (5.5 ± 2.96 and 5.7 ± 1.7, p=0.87). The results showed that the treatment with virtual reality can increase the balance and mobility of institutionalized older patients.
Clinical Nutrition, Apr 1, 2020
Introduction: Oral nutrition support is frequently used in treatment of malnutrition in patients ... more Introduction: Oral nutrition support is frequently used in treatment of malnutrition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Considering the use of corticoidsteroids in patients with COPD, little is known about the effect on postprandial glucose response and if they might interfere with glucose control. Our aims were to compare the effect of a liquid oral nutritional supplement (ONS) and semi solid inbetween meal snack (snack) on postprandial glucose and energy-and protein intake, and to compare the effect of timing of each intervention on postprandial glucose and energy-and protein intake. Methods: Patients with COPD (n ¼ 17) admitted to the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Iceland and defined as at low or medium nutritional risk (score 0e3) were recruited. In a randomised cross-over design, subjects consumed ONS or snack either in a fasting state (study 1) or following breakfast (study 2) and postprandial glucose responses were assessed at regular intervals for two hours (t ¼ 15, t ¼ 30, t ¼ 45, t ¼ 60, t ¼ 90, t ¼ 120 min). Energy-and protein intake was estimated using a validated plate diagram sheet. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was used to compare the two interventions. Results: In study 2, following breakfast, postprandial glucose was significantly higher after consuming ONS than the snack after 60 min (9.7 ± 2.4 mmol/L vs. 8.2 ± 3.2 mmol/L, p ¼ 0.013 and 120 min 9.2 ± 3.2 mmol/L vs. 7.9 ± 2.4 mmol/L, p ¼ 0.021, respectively). No difference was found in postprandial glucose concentrations between ONS and the snack when consumed after overnight fasting (study 1). No difference in energy or protein intake from hospital food was seen between supplement types neither in study 1 or 2. Conclusion: Lower postprandial glucose concentrations were associated with the snack compared to ONS when taken after a meal compared to either type directly after overnight fasting. The clinical relevance of higher postprandial blood glucose after consuming a liquid ONS after breakfast compared with a semi solid snack needs to be studied further.
Journal of Aging Research, 2017
Background. Resistance exercise training can be effective against sarcopenia. We identified predi... more Background. Resistance exercise training can be effective against sarcopenia. We identified predictors of drop-out and compared physical outcomes between men and women after such training. Methods. Subjects (= 236, 73.7 ± 5.7 years) participated in a 12-week resistance exercise program. Outcome variables were measured at baseline and endpoint. Results. Drop-out was 11.9% and not significantly different between genders. Drop-outs were significantly older and had poorer strength and physical function in comparison to completers. Anthropometrics, QoL, and cognitive function were not related to drop-out. According to multivariate analysis, gait speed and physical activity were the strongest predictors of drop-out. After the training, gains in lean mass or appendicular muscle were significantly higher in men than women; however relative gains in appendicular muscle as well as absolute improvements in strength and function were similar in men and women, respectively. Conclusions. Participants who drop out are older, have poorer physical function, and are less physically active. Old women do not drop out more frequently than men and show meaningful improvements in relevant outcomes similar to men after such a training program. The trial is registered at the US National Library of Medicine (NCT01074879).
Clinical nutrition ESPEN, Apr 1, 2023
Clinical nutrition ESPEN, Oct 1, 2020
Purpose: Obesity has been associated with low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD). The causes of hypovit... more Purpose: Obesity has been associated with low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD). The causes of hypovitaminosis D in obese individuals are not known. The present work aimed to investigate 25OHD in obese and normal-/overweight subjects with consideration of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). Methods: Community-dwelling old adults (N ¼ 229, 73.7 ± 5.7yrs, 58.2% female) from the Reykjavik capital area in Iceland participated in this cross-sectional study. LTPA, vitamin D intake, body composition and background variables were assessed. 25OHD was measured in fasting blood samples. Results: Mean LTPA was 5.7 ± 5.6 h/week and the common activities were walking and gardening. Mean 25OHD was 66.7 ± 28.1 nmol/L and 8.5/21.2% were below 30 and 50 nmol/L, respectively. Obese participants (n ¼ 84) had lower 25OHD (À11.0 ± 3.8 nmol/L,P < 0.001) and lower LTPA (À2.5 þ 0.8 h/ week,P ¼ 0.001) than normal-/overweight subjects (n ¼ 145). Linear models showed that LTPA (h/week) was associated with higher 25OHD in normal-/overweight participants only (1.3 nmol/L, P < 0.001) but not in obese (À0.7 nmol, P ¼ 0.245). Fish oil intake was associated with higher 25OHD both in normal-/ overweight (19.2 ± 4.5 nmol/L, P ¼ 0.001) and obese subjects (13.4 ± 5.3 nmol/L, P ¼ 0.013). Conclusions: Obese community-dwelling old adults in Iceland have lower 25OHD than their normal-/ overweight counterparts. LTPA was associated with a higher 25OHD in normal-/overweight, but not in obese participants. However, fish oil was associated with higher 25OHD independently from obesity status. Thus, vitamin D supplementation is important for obese old adults to maintain vitamin D levels.
Clinical Nutrition, Aug 1, 2018
, I. (2017). Two components of the new ESPEN diagnostic criteria for malnutrition are independent... more , I. (2017). Two components of the new ESPEN diagnostic criteria for malnutrition are independent predictors of lung function in hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CLINICAL NUTRITION.
European Journal of Ageing, Nov 6, 2020
A poor appetite or ability to eat and its association with physical function have not been explor... more A poor appetite or ability to eat and its association with physical function have not been explored considerably amongst community-dwelling older adults. The current study examined whether having an illness or physical condition affecting one's appetite or ability to eat is associated with body composition, muscle strength, or physical function amongst communitydwelling older adults. This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the age, gene/environment susceptibility-Reykjavik study (n = 5764). Illnesses or physical conditions affecting one's appetite or ability to eat, activities of daily living, current level of physical activity, and smoking habits were assessed with a questionnaire. Fat mass, fat-free mass, body mass index, knee extension strength, and grip strength were measured, and the 6-m walk test and timed up-and-go test were administered. Individuals who reported illnesses or physical conditions affecting their appetite or ability to eat were considered to have a poor appetite. The associations of appetite or the ability to eat with body composition and physical function were analysed with stepwise linear regression models. A total of 804 (14%) individuals reported having conditions affecting their appetite or ability to eat and had a significantly lower fat-free mass and body mass index, less grip strength, and poorer physical function than did those without any conditions affecting their appetite or ability to eat. Although the factors reported to affect one's appetite or ability to eat are seldom considered severe, their strong associations with physical function suggest that any condition affecting one's appetite or ability to eat requires attention.
British Journal of Nutrition, Mar 6, 2018
Low energy and protein intakes have been associated with an increased risk of malnutrition in out... more Low energy and protein intakes have been associated with an increased risk of malnutrition in outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to assess the energy and protein intakes of hospitalised COPD patients according to nutritional risk status and requirements, and the relative contribution from meals, snacks, drinks and oral nutritional supplements (ONS), and to examine whether either energy or protein intake predicts outcomes. Subjects were COPD patients (n 99) admitted to Landspitali University Hospital in 1 year (March 2015-March 2016). Patients were screened for nutritional risk using a validated screening tool, and energy and protein intake for 3 d, 1-5 d after admission to the hospital, was estimated using a validated plate diagram sheet. The percentage of patients reaching energy and protein intake ≥75 % of requirements was on average 59 and 37 %, respectively. Malnourished patients consumed less at mealtimes and more from ONS than lower-risk patients, resulting in no difference in total energy and protein intakes between groups. No clear associations between energy or protein intake and outcomes were found, although the association between energy intake, as percentage of requirement, and mortality at 12 months of follow-up was of borderline significance (OR 0•12; 95 % CI 0•01, 1•15; P = 0•066). Energy and protein intakes during hospitalisation in the study population failed to meet requirements. Further studies are needed on how to increase energy and protein intakes during hospitalisation and after discharge and to assess whether higher intake in relation to requirement of hospitalised COPD patients results in better outcomes.
BMJ Open Respiratory Research, 2019
Oral nutrition supplements and between-meal snacks for nutrition therapy in patients with COPD id... more Oral nutrition supplements and between-meal snacks for nutrition therapy in patients with COPD identified as at nutritional risk: a randomised feasibility trial.
Alzheimer's & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment & Disease Monitoring, 2021
IntroductionWe aim to investigate the longitudinal associations between changes in body weight (B... more IntroductionWe aim to investigate the longitudinal associations between changes in body weight (BW) and declines in cognitive function and risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/dementia among cognitively normal individuals 65 years or older.MethodsData from the Age Gene/Environment Susceptibility‐Reykjavik Study (AGES‐Reykjavik Study) including 2620 participants, were examined using multiple logistic regression models. Cognitive function included speed of processing (SP), executive function (EF), and memory function (MF). Changes in BW were classified as; weight loss (WL), weight gain (WG), and stable weight (SW).ResultsMean follow‐up time was 5.2 years and 61.3% were stable weight. Participants who experienced WL (13.4%) were significantly more likely to have declines in MF and SP compared to the SW group. Weight changes were not associated with EF. WL was associated with a higher risk of MCI, while WG (25.3%) was associated with a higher dementia risk, when compared to SW.Discus...
Journal of Aging Research, Feb 18, 2019
Objectives. Obesity-related physiological changes can limit improvements of obese subjects after ... more Objectives. Obesity-related physiological changes can limit improvements of obese subjects after training. e aim was to investigate obesity, muscular strength, and physical function in community-dwelling nonsarcopenic old adults. Methods. Nonsarcopenic subjects (N � 229, 73.7 ± 5.7 years; 21% normal weight, 42% overweight, and 37% obese based on body mass index (BMI)) participated in a 12-week resistance exercise program. Leisure time physical activity (LTPA), body composition (dualenergy X-ray absorptiometry), quadriceps strength (maximum voluntary isometric contraction; absolute and relative to body weight), and physical function in terms of 6-minutes-walk-for-distance (6MWD) and timed up and go (TUG) were measured baseline and endpoint. Results. At baseline, normal weight participants had lower absolute quadriceps strength (−43 ± 22 N, P � 0.015) than obese, but better quadriceps strength relative to body weight (1.4 ± 0.7 N/kg, P < 0.001), 6MWD (53 ± 27 m, P < 0.001), and TUG (−1.4 ± 0.7 sec, P ≤ 0.001). LTPA was positively associated with 6MWD and TUG (both P < 0.05), but based on general linear models, differences in LTPA between BMI categories did not explain differences in 6MWD and TUG between BMI categories. During the program, dropout (11.9%) and attendance (85%) were similar between BMI groups. After the intervention, body composition and physical function significantly improved in all three BMI categories; however, normal weight participants lost more body fat (−1.53 ± 0.78%, P � 0.014), gained more lean mass (0.70 ± 0.36 kg, P < 0.001) and relative quadriceps strength (0.31 ± 0.16 N/kg, P � 0.017), and improved more on the 6MWD (24 ± 12 m, P < 0.001) but gained less grip strength (−2.4 ± 1.3 N/kg, P � 0.020) compared to obese. ere were no differences in TUG or absolute quadriceps strength changes between the BMI strata. Physical function at baseline as well as training success of overweight participants was located between the normal weight and obesity groups. Conclusion. Nonsarcopenic obese community-dwelling old adults have lower physical function than their normal weight counterparts. is difference is not explained by lower LTPA. A 12-week resistance exercise program improves body composition and physical function in normal weight, overweight, and obese old adults; however, obese participants experience less favorable changes in body composition and physical function than normal weight individuals. is trial is registered with NCT01074879.
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Papers by Ólöf Guðný Geirsdóttir