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Anorexia of aging: a modifiable risk factor for frailty
Anna Maria Martone1, Graziano Onder, Davide Liborio Vetrano
1Department of Geriatrics, Neurosciences and Orthopedics, Teaching Hospital "Agostino Gemelli", Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome 00168, Italy. francesco.landi@rm.unicatt.it.
Nutrients
|October 17, 2013
Summary
Anorexia of aging, a common issue in older adults, significantly impacts health and survival. Early identification and nutritional interventions are crucial for managing this condition in frail elderly individuals.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Anorexia of aging, characterized by appetite loss, affects many elderly, especially the frail.
- It stems from multifactorial causes including medical, environmental, and social factors.
- Anorexia is linked to weight loss, sarcopenia, and frailty, predicting poor outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significance of anorexia in the context of aging, sarcopenia, and frailty.
- To illustrate the key pathways involved in the development of anorexia in the elderly.
- To emphasize the importance of treating anorexia for improved health in frail older adults.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on anorexia of aging, sarcopenia, and frailty.
- Discussion of pathogenetic mechanisms underlying appetite loss in the elderly.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on nutritional management strategies.
Main Results:
- Anorexia of aging is a significant predictor of reduced quality of life, morbidity, and mortality.
- Optimizing nutritional status is a key management goal for frail older persons.
- Multi-stimulus interventions are needed to address weight loss and functional decline.
Conclusions:
- Anorexia of aging is a critical issue in geriatric care, closely linked to sarcopenia and frailty.
- Understanding anorexia's pathogenesis is vital for developing effective interventions.
- Treating anorexia offers substantial health benefits for frail elderly individuals, improving their overall well-being.
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