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The dwindles: failure to thrive in older patients
1Department of Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita 67214, USA.
Nutrition Reviews
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Geriatric failure to thrive involves deterioration across multiple domains, weight loss, and unexplained causes. Early identification and intervention by primary care providers can manage this condition effectively.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Geriatric failure to thrive (FTT) is a complex syndrome in older adults.
- It is characterized by deterioration in biologic, psychologic, and social functioning.
- FTT involves unintentional weight loss or undernutrition without a clear single cause.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the core components of geriatric failure to thrive.
- To outline the multifactorial etiology of FTT.
- To propose a management approach for primary care settings.
Main Methods:
- The study synthesizes existing knowledge on geriatric FTT.
- It identifies key contributing factors and clinical presentations.
- It proposes a primary care-based management strategy.
Main Results:
- Geriatric FTT is defined by multi-domain deterioration, weight loss, and lack of obvious cause.
- Causes are multifactorial, including normal aging, malnutrition, and specific precipitants like chronic disease, dementia, dysphagia, depression, or social isolation.
- Effective management involves identifying and addressing all contributing factors early.
Conclusions:
- Geriatric failure to thrive requires a comprehensive assessment of biologic, psychologic, and social factors.
- A common-sense, primary care-led approach is sufficient for management, often not requiring extensive referrals.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial to prevent progression and improve outcomes for older adults experiencing FTT.