Detection of protein-calorie malnutrition in the elderly

The geriatric population is an ever-increasing segment of our society. A careful review of the physical, anatomic, and biochemical changes which occur with aging indicates that measurements traditionally made to detect the presence of protein-calorie malnutrition may be inappropriate for the elderly due to a lack of specific norms for comparison. Changes that are normally seen with age may appear to be representative of a nutritional deficit if the observer is unfamiliar with the aging process. Methods of extrapolating existing nutritional assessment data for use in the geriatric population, development of norms specific for the aged, and study of nontraditional methods of evaluation should all be considered in an effort to improve nutritional assessment techniques for this population.