Turkish Validation of the ALOC Screening Scale in Older Adults

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

As the elderly population increases, health problems related to aging are also increasing. Loss of appetite negatively affects public health by causing malnutrition and related health problems in elderly individuals. Loss of appetite is a common problem in older adults, both in individuals with and without cognitive impairment. This can lead to serious health problems such as malnutrition, weight loss, muscle loss, weakening of the immune system and decreased quality of life. Cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's and dementia can trigger loss of appetite, or loss of appetite can be a symptom of these disorders. Factors such as metabolic changes during the aging process, decreased sense of taste and smell, loneliness and depression contribute to loss of appetite. However, there is no valid and reliable scale in Turkey for the early diagnosis and assessment of loss of appetite. A scale being valid and reliable means that it can measure the concept it is intended to measure accurately and consistently. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Loss of Appetite Scale in older adults with and without cognitive impairment .

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Appetite Loss in Older Adults With and Without Cognitive Impairment (ALOC) Screening Scale — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
  Loss of appetite is common in older adults and increases the risk of malnutrition, functional decline, and adverse health outcomes. Older adults with cognitive impairment are particularly vulnerable. The Appetite Loss in Older Adults With and Without Cognitive Impairment (ALOC) Screening Scale, developed by Rudzinska et al. (2025), consists of 7 dichotomous items scored 0-7, with cut-offs indicating appetite loss (≥3), risk (=2), or low risk (≤1). This study aims to adapt the ALOC into Turkish and evaluate its psychometric properties in adults ≥65 years with and without cognitive impairment. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, factor structure, convergent and known-groups validity, and diagnostic accuracy will be tested. Predictive validity will be assessed through nutritional and clinical outcomes over 3 months. The validated Turkish ALOC is expected to provide a practical screening tool to support early detection and management of appetite loss in geriatric care.

Trial sites (1)

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