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Geriatric Anorexia Nervosa
Moaweya Zayed1, Joseph P Garry2
1From University of Minnesota Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program, Minneapolis (MZ); and the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (JPG).
Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM
|September 20, 2017
Summary
Eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa, can affect older adults, particularly women, and are linked to serious health issues. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for this often-overlooked population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Eating disorders are infrequently diagnosed in individuals over 50.
- These conditions are associated with substantial psychiatric comorbidities and overall morbidity in older adults.
- Anorexia nervosa is the most prevalent eating disorder in this demographic, predominantly affecting women.
Observation:
- A fatal case of a 66-year-old woman with severe malnutrition and newly diagnosed anorexia nervosa is presented.
- The patient experienced unsuccessful inpatient refeeding.
- She ultimately succumbed to multisystem organ failure.
Findings:
- Anorexia nervosa in older women can lead to severe malnutrition and fatal outcomes.
- Inpatient refeeding may be unsuccessful in this population.
- Multisystem organ failure is a potential consequence of severe malnutrition secondary to anorexia nervosa.
Implications:
- Timely recognition of eating disorders in older individuals is essential for family physicians.
- Geriatricians and primary care providers must consider eating disorders in the differential diagnosis of older patients presenting with malnutrition.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance are needed to improve outcomes for older adults with eating disorders.
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