People with dementia were more likely to have a low MNA at admission: OR 3.85 [1.55–9.59], as well as laboratory indices of malnutrition such as albumin, transferrin, and the urea/creatinine ratio. The MNA score and the sub‐score related to dietary habits (MNA‐3) were significant predictors of death in hospital, with scores <7.5 increasing the risk of death 2.05‐fold. The gene discussed is ALB; the disease is dementia.