title: Common nutritional disorders in the elderly: atypical manifestations.
abstract: Nutritional problems are commonly seen in elderly persons living in both community and institutional settings. Multiple interacting medical problems, age-related physiological changes, and low socio-economic status are just some of the factors placing the older person at greater risk for nutritional problems. Nutritional inadequacies often have a slow and insidious onset; many of the presenting features mimic changes of normal aging. Absence of clear-cut signs and symptoms may easily lead to a delay in the diagnosis of these potentially serious yet easily reversible conditions. Practicing physicians need to keep in mind the atypical presentation nutritional deficiencies may have in old age.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001361:Avitaminosis / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007787:Lactose Intolerance / Q000150:complications; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000175:diagnosis