The study sought to analyze the presence of depression, cognitive function, nutritional status and factors associated with
malnutrition in the elderly undergoing treatment for
cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a
cancer clinic in Minas Gerais, which included the application of a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, assessment of depressive symptoms, cognitive function and nutritional status. 96 elderly people were evaluated, 50% of which were female and the mean age was 70.6 years.
Cognitive impairment was identified in 39.6% and the presence of depression in 17.7%, with a higher number of depressive symptoms in females (p = 0,017). Moderate
malnutrition or suspected
malnutrition was diagnosed in 29.2%, severe
malnutrition in 14.6% and 47.9% had a critical need for nutritional intervention. In multivariate analysis, functional impairment was independently associated with
malnutrition (PR: 3.40; CI: 1.23-9.45), the presence of two or more symptoms of nutritional impact (PR: 3.22; CI: 10.03-10.10) and current treatment by
chemotherapy (PR: 2.96; CI: 1.16-7.56). The elderly with
cancer showed a high prevalence of
malnutrition and a need for nutritional intervention. The assessment of depression and
cognitive impairment should also be an integral part in addressing this group.