Failure to thrive in the elderly

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Internal Medicine
• Clinical Syndromes

Background:

• Failure to thrive (FTT) is a prevalent geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive weight loss and functional deterioration.
• It is recognized as a syndrome, not a specific diagnosis, necessitating a comprehensive approach to understanding its etiology.
• FTT significantly impacts the quality of life and healthcare utilization in the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the multifactorial nature of failure to thrive in the elderly.
• To differentiate between nonorganic and organic causes for improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• To highlight the importance of a holistic assessment in managing this complex geriatric condition.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on geriatric syndromes, specifically focusing on failure to thrive.
• Categorization of contributing factors into nonorganic (psychosocial, functional limitations) and organic (medical conditions, hormonal changes) domains.
• Synthesis of information to provide a framework for understanding and addressing FTT.

Main Results:

• Failure to thrive is consistently defined by progressive weight loss and decreased physical function.
• Nonorganic causes encompass psychosocial stressors and physical limitations impacting daily activities.
• Organic causes involve diagnosed diseases and potential age-related dysregulations in nutrition, inflammation, and hormonal balance.

Conclusions:

• Failure to thrive requires a syndromic approach, acknowledging its diverse origins.
• Distinguishing between nonorganic and organic factors is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Further research into age-associated physiological changes may uncover novel therapeutic targets for FTT.