Weight Loss In Elderly Aafp
7 july 2009 507.
Weight loss in elderly aafp. Unintentional weight loss in the elderly patient can be difficult to evaluate. Interfere with taste and can cause anorexia. Weight loss and malnutrition in the elderly the shared role of gps and apds gemma sampson bnutrdiet hons is a clinical dietician aged care and rehab balmain hospital new south wales.
Download the pdf for the full article. 1 weight loss is a reduction of more than 5 of body weight over 1 month or 10 over 6 months. Unintentional weight loss i e more than a 5 reduction in body weight within six to 12 months occurs in 15 to 20 of older adults and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality 1 in.
Quandaries include identifying the problem determining the appropriate workup balancing fear of missing a diagnosis with invasive investigation and effective treatment. 1 2 malnutrition and unintentional weight loss are issues frequently underestimated in older people that can be limited managed and controlled by timely nutrition intervention. Weight loss is common and can be challenging to manage.
4 19 no cause is found in about one quarter of. Chiatric disorders account for unexplained weight loss in most elderly patients other psy chologic and social factors may be involved. In addi tion a variety of social factors are associated with unin tentional weight loss and include poverty.
Reprinted from australian family physician vol.