Both excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and nutritional deficiencies are common and can cause similar negative consequences, such as falls, and cognitive impairment in older adults, but there is no study investigating the relationship between the two. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between malnutrition/micronutrient deficiency and EDS in patients with and without dementia.

Cross-sectional study.

A total of 800 outpatients (243 of whom had dementia), aged ≥65 years, were included.

All patients underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores >23.5, 17-23.5, or <17 were categorized as well-nourished, malnutrition risk, and malnutrition, respectively. Eating Assessment Tool score of ≥3 was accepted as dysphagia. Serum vitamin B12, vitamin D, and folate deficiencies were also evaluated. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of ≥11 points indicated EDS.

The mean age was 79.1±7.5 years. The prevalence of EDS was 22.75%. In patients with dementia, those with EDS had significantly lower MNA scores and more frequent dysphagia (P < .05). In patients without dementia, those with EDS have lower MNA scores than those without EDS; malnutrition, dysphagia, and vitamin D deficiency were higher (P < .05). In multivariable analysis adjusted for age, gender, living status, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular events, polypharmacy, dementia, and insomnia, the association between EDS and malnutrition [odds ratio (OR) 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37-2.20], dysphagia (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.33-2.88), and vitamin D deficiency (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.12-3.55) persisted.

There is a significant relationship between EDS and malnutrition risk, dysphagia, and vitamin D deficiency in older adults. Therefore, when examining an older patient with EDS, dysphagia, malnutrition, and vitamin D levels should be evaluated, or EDS should be investigated in an older patient with malnutrition, dysphagia, and vitamin D deficiency. Thus, it will be possible to manage all these conditions more effectively.