Temporal muscle thickness predicts change in nutritional markers in individuals at risk of dementia: Insights from a 24-week longitudinal study

Objectives: To investigate whether temporal muscle thickness (TMT) can serve as a predictor of change in nutritional widely used biomarkers in patients at risk of dementia. Design: Longitudinal observational study. Setting: Secondary analysis from a 24-week study conducted across three centers in Norway between 2018 and 2020. Participants: Patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or with two cardiometabolic disorders were included (n = 165). Measurements: Baseline and longitudinal statistical analysis were carried out to establish the association for outcomes (albumin, weight, C-Reactive Protein and Episodic Memory Quality) with TMT. Results: At baseline, there was a positive association between TMT and weight (Estimate=1.5157, p = 0.009). At follow-up, positive associations were observed between TMT and albumin levels (Estimate=0.3031, P = 0.048), as well as TMT and weight (Estimate=1.8954, P = 0.001). Conclusion: TMT is a possible accessible tool in clinical practice for monitoring health variables beyond cognitive decline in patients at risk of dementia.