Senile anorexia in different geriatric settings in Italy

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Anorexia is a common eating habit change in older adults, increasing malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality risks.
• Senile anorexia significantly impacts nutritional status, eating habits, and functional capacity in the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and associated factors of anorexia in Italian older adults across various living settings.
• To assess the effects of anorexia on nutritional status, eating patterns, and functional abilities in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving 526 participants aged over 65, recruited from nursing homes, geriatric wards, and the community in four Italian regions.
• Comprehensive assessments included anthropometrics, nutritional status, sensory capacities, cognitive function, functional status, mood, quality of life, and laboratory parameters (e.g., prealbumin, leptin, ghrelin).
• Anorexia was defined as a ≥50% reduction in food intake compared to a standard meal, excluding oral disorders.

Main Results:

• The overall prevalence of anorexia was 21.2%, significantly higher in hospitalized patients (up to 34.1% in women in long-term facilities) and the oldest individuals.
• Anorexic older adults exhibited lower self-sufficiency, compromised nutritional and cognitive status, and a tendency towards monotonous diets with reduced intake from all food groups.

Conclusions:

• Anorexia is prevalent in older Italians, especially hospitalized individuals, leading to significant nutritional and functional decline.
• Analyzing dietary components and food group intake can inform strategies to improve nutritional and health status.
• Early identification and intervention for anorexia in hospitalized older adults are essential to prevent clinical and functional deterioration.