Loss of Autonomy in the Elderly: Relationships Between Gut Microbiota Diversity, Nutrition and Cognitive and Sensory-motor Disturbances in "Small Eaters" and "Non Small Eaters"
This study is investigating how the food older people in care homes eat, the helpful bacteria in their gut, and their thinking and movement skills are all connected. It focuses particularly on those who eat very small amounts. As people get older, their thinking skills, how well they move, and their diet can change, and sometimes their gut bacteria can become unbalanced. This research aims to understand these links better. By following older adults (over 75) who live in care homes — both those who eat little and those who eat normally — the researchers want to find out how these factors change over a year. The goal is to develop better eating strategies to help older people keep their health and independence, allowing them to stay at home for longer before needing care home support.
At a glance
What is this study about?
As we get older, our bodies change in many ways. This study is looking closely at older people, especially those over 75 who live in care homes in France. The researchers are interested in people who eat small amounts, often called 'small eaters', and how this might affect their health. They also want to compare them to older people who eat as normal. The main idea is that our diet, the helpful bacteria living in our gut (our 'gut bugs'), and our ability to think clearly and move well are all connected.
When people move into a care home, their daily lives and routines can change quite a lot, especially what and how they eat, and how much they move around. These changes can affect the balance of bacteria in their gut. The study aims to understand how these different things interact over time. By looking at these connections, the researchers hope to find better ways to support older adults. This could mean finding better food strategies to help them stay healthier, stronger, and more independent.
Ultimately, the goal is to help older people maintain their quality of life, stay independent in their own homes for as long as possible, and delay the need for moving into a care home. This research will follow participants for one year to see how their gut bacteria, nutrition, thinking skills, and movement abilities change and how they are linked.
Key takeaways
- The study aims to link diet, gut health, and brain/movement skills in older people.
- It focuses on older adults (over 75) in care homes, especially those who eat little.
- Researchers will collect information over one year, including samples and health checks.
- The main goal is to find ways to help older people stay independent for longer.
- No new medications are involved; it's an observational study.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for older people living in care homes in France to take part. You need to be over 75 years old. The researchers are interested in two groups: those who tend to eat very little (called 'small eaters') and those who eat normally. You (or your legal representative, if applicable) would need to agree to be part of the study.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you don't have national health insurance, or if you have a current infection, diarrhoea, or have recently taken antibiotics or antifungal medicines. People with certain bowel conditions like coeliac disease or Crohn's disease would also not be able to participate. The study also cannot include individuals who are under a specific type of legal protection that limits their ability to agree to research.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you over 75 years old?
- Do you currently live in a care home (EHPAD in France)?
- Are you able to agree to take part in the study?
- Do you NOT have a current infection or recent diarrhoea?
- Have you NOT recently taken antibiotics or antifungal medicines?
- Do you NOT have coeliac disease or Crohn's disease?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you would be followed for one year while you live in your care home. The researchers would collect some information about you. This would involve taking some blood and stool (poo) samples. They would also ask about what you usually eat and drink over a 24-hour period.
They will measure your Body Mass Index (BMI) and check your muscle mass using a special machine (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, but not if you have a pacemaker). You would also do some simple tests to check your thinking abilities and how well you move. All of these assessments are designed to understand your health and will be done at different times over the year.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Chu Dijon BourgogneVerified postcodeDijon, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'small eater' in this study?
A 'small eater' is an older person who has a loss of appetite and eats noticeably less than usual.
What are 'gut bugs'?
These are the helpful bacteria and other tiny living things that naturally live in your intestines and help with digestion and overall health.
What does 'autonomy' mean?
Autonomy means being able to make your own choices and live independently, doing things for yourself.
Will I have to take any new medicines?
No, this study does not involve giving you any new medicines. It's about collecting information.
How long will the study last for me?
If you join, you will be part of the study for one year.
How to find out more
Frédéric DALLE
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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