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Failure to thrive in the elderly

R B Verdery1

  • 1Arizona Center on Aging, Tucson, USA.

Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|November 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Failure to thrive in the elderly is a complex syndrome, not a diagnosis, involving weight loss and functional decline. It stems from nonorganic (psychosocial, physical) and organic (diseases, age-related changes) factors.

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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.

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