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. Specific Aims. To characterize a group of self-neglecting elders with vitamin Ddeficiency 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 Ddeficient self-neglecting elders were described and compared to thosewithout 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. (C) 2006 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.