Posted: September 4th, 2022

Elderly patients malnutrition causes and treatments

Elderly patients malnutrition causes and treatments
Older adults are prone to malnutrition. Those who live in community dwellings are the most affected. Health Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that older people living in a community consumed less than 1000 calories every day. Also, estimates indicate that close to 23% to 60% of hospitalized elderly patients are likely to suffer malnutrition.
Malnutrition has dire consequences on a person’s health. It not only weakens the immune system but also increases muscle weakness and reduce bone mass. It increases the risk of hospitalization and even death. Several factors contribute to malnutrition among the elderly; these include pathological, social, physiological, and psychological issues.
The pathological factor entails the prevalence of diseases among the old. As people age, their bodies become less immune. They have problems with swallowing and gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to constipation or diarrhea. The medication given to them to solve these problems has side effects such as nausea and anorexia, which can lead to malnutrition. Others have chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Dieticians introduce dietary restrictions to control these diseases. Such interventions can lead to less consumption of the required nutrients.
Social factors include the inability to shop and even prepare meals, which can hinder food consumption. Some old adults lack a social support system. That leads to social isolation and food apathy. Financial constraints can hinder older people from purchasing foods with the necessary nutrients. Psychological factors tend to affect the mental health of individuals.
When people start aging, their lives change. They retire, develop health complications, and even lose friends and family. These things can lead to depression that can cause malnutrition. Physiological issues encompass the body’s physique. Older people might have a lower nutrient absorption rate.
Older people should have regular body assessments to determine whether they are suffering from malnutrition. If a patient is suffering from malnutrition, health practitioners should assess not only the patient but also the caregiver to determine the underlying cause. After determining the problem, they should proceed to offer advice and treatment. A team of health providers, such as therapists and dieticians, should work together to assist the patient.
Various interventions address malnutrition. They include; additional of herbs and species to add flavor to the food and thus improve appetite, providing nutritional supplements in the form of liquid or powder between meals and medical interventions. Medications such as Megestrol acetate and oxandrolone can treat anorexia. Dieticians should also consider removing or adjusting dietary restrictions.

References
Compan, B., Di Castri, A., Plaze, J. M., & Arnaud-Battandier, F. (1999). Epidemiological study of malnutrition in elderly patients in acute, sub-acute, and long-term care using the MNA [R]. Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging, 3, 146-151.
Saka, B., Kaya, O., Ozturk, G. B., Erten, N., & Karan, M. A. (2010). Malnutrition in the elderly and its relationship with other geriatric syndromes. Clinical nutrition, 29(6), 745-748.

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