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Undernutrition in older adults.
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 South Grand Boulevard, St Louis, MO 63104, USA. morley@slu.edu
Family Practice
|March 9, 2012
Summary
Undernutrition in older adults, often subtle weight loss, stems from protein energy wasting. Early screening and physician awareness are crucial for managing treatable causes like anorexia and sarcopenia.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Undernutrition in older adults commonly manifests as weight loss, primarily due to protein energy wasting.
- The subtle presentation of undernutrition in this population necessitates screening tools and heightened physician awareness.
- Multiple treatable factors contribute to undernutrition in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the common causes of undernutrition in older persons.
- To discuss the role of nutritional supplements in managing undernutrition.
- To outline an approach for managing protein energy wasting in the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of undernutrition in older adults.
- Synthesis of information on causes, screening, and management.
- Overview of nutritional interventions.
Main Results:
- Key causes include anorexia, cachexia, sarcopenia, dehydration, malabsorption, and hypermetabolism.
- Screening tools and physician awareness are vital for early detection.
- Nutritional supplements and targeted management strategies are effective.
Conclusions:
- Addressing protein energy wasting through early detection and intervention is essential for older adults.
- A comprehensive approach involving screening, awareness, and tailored management improves nutritional status.
- Timely intervention can mitigate the adverse effects of undernutrition in the geriatric population.
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