Anthropometric, functional capacity, and oxidative stress changes in Brazilian community-living elderly subjects. A longitudinal study

• Anthropometry, functional capacity, oxidative stress aggravated in elderly in 2 years.
• Hypertension, arthritis, depression − independent risk factors for functional decline.
• Plasma α-tocopherol and malondialdehyde changed in elderly in 2 years.

ObjectiveTo examine the changes and relationships among anthropometric, functional and plasma oxidative stress markers in elderly.Designlongitudinal study.Settingmeasurements in 2008 and 2010.Participants103 community-dwelling men and women aged 67–92.MeasurementsAnthropometric parameters [waist, hip, arm and calf circumferences; waist-hip ratio, triceps skinfold thickness and others], basic (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)] and plasma oxidative stress markers (α-tocopherol, β-carotene and malondialdehyde) were assessed in 2008 and 2010.ResultsADL, IADL, body weight, skinfold thickness and circumferences of calf and arm decreased and waist and waist-hip ratio increased from 2008 to 2010. α-Tocopherol decreased and malondialdehyde plasma levels increased during the study period. In multiple logistic regression analyses, increased age (OR = 1.12; IC: 1.02–1.23; p = 0.02), female gender (OR = 8.43; IC: 1.23–57.58; p = 0.03), hypertension (OR = 0.22; IC: 0.06–0.79; p = 0.02), arthritis/arthrosis (OR = 0.09; IC: 0.009–0.87; p = 0.04) and depression (OR = 0.20; IC: 0.04–1.03; p = 0.05) were independent risk factors for functional decline.ConclusionFat reduction, muscle loss, central obesity increase, functional decline and worsening of plasma oxidative stress were observed during 2-year follow-up. Some of the risk factors that were identified could be modified to help prevent functional decline in elderly. The factors deserving attention include hypertension, arthritis/arthrosis and depression.