Undernutrition and anorexia in the older person

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2009 Sep;38(3):393-409. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2009.06.009.

Abstract

Minimizing frailty in older age is important to individuals and society, as the increasing prevalence of chronic disease is leading to greater disability and health care costs. Nutritional frailty can be defined as the disability that occurs in old age due to rapid, unintentional loss of body weight and sarcopenia (lack of lean mass). This article provides a brief overview of the prevalence and consequences of undernutrition, age-related changes to appetite, food intake, and body composition, the factors contributing to the development of anorexia and undernutrition, and recommended management strategies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology*
  • Anorexia / physiopathology*
  • Anorexia / therapy
  • Appetite / physiology
  • Body Mass Index
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Gastric Emptying / physiology
  • Gastrointestinal Hormones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Malnutrition / diagnosis
  • Malnutrition / physiopathology*
  • Malnutrition / therapy
  • Muscular Atrophy / physiopathology
  • Olfaction Disorders / physiopathology
  • Proteins / metabolism
  • Taste Disorders / physiopathology
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Gastrointestinal Hormones
  • Proteins