Publications by authors named "Maurits F J Vandewoude"

The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in the elderly population >76y is estimated at 26%. OD can lead to malnutrition, depression, diminished quality of life and increased mortality in the elderly. Despite these important complications, OD is still underdiagnosed due to a lack of a reliable and easily applicable screening tool.

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Introduction: In 2008, the NutriAction study showed that (risk of) malnutrition was highly prevalent (57%) among Belgian older people living in the community or in a nursing home. In 2013, this study was repeated to re-evaluate the occurrence of malnutrition, as well as mobility problems and dependence in activities of daily living (ADL).

Methods: Health care professionals (HCPs) associated with homecare organizations and nursing homes across Belgium were invited to screen their patients and complete an online questionnaire.

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Background: The medical food Souvenaid, containing the specific nutrient combination Fortasyn Connect, is designed to improve synapse formation and function in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Two double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCT) with Souvenaid of 12 and 24 week duration (Souvenir I and Souvenir II) showed that memory performance was improved in drug-naïve mild AD patients, whereas no effects on cognition were observed in a 24-week RCT (S-Connect) in mild to moderate AD patients using AD medication. Souvenaid was well-tolerated in all RCTs.

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Malnutrition is common across varying patient populations, particularly older adults, and sarcopenia prevalence increases with advancing age. Both malnutrition and sarcopenia are associated with substantial adverse outcomes affecting both the patient and the healthcare system, including increased morbidity, mortality, rehospitalization rates, and healthcare costs. Healthcare practitioners may assess patients for either malnutrition or sarcopenia; however, many patients clinically present with both conditions, resulting in the syndrome, Malnutrition-Sarcopenia Syndrome, which is the clinical presentation of both malnutrition and accelerated age-associated loss of lean body mass, strength, and/or functionality.

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Objectives: To evaluate the effect of fibre supplementation in enteral feeding on bowel function in hospitalised geriatric patients, and to assess its metabolic and nutritional efficiency.

Design: Prospective randomised controlled trial with stratification for diabetes.

Setting: Department of Geriatrics at the University of Antwerp.

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