title: The malnourished older patient: when and how to intervene.
abstract: Several factors place older patients at increased risk for malnutrition. The physiologic effects of aging itself are considered risk factors, as are systemic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, infection, and cancer; depression, and other psychiatric disorders; abnormal chemical values; and effects of various medications. Many of these factors are reversible if recognized and assessed early. Cholesterol and albumin measurements may help confirm the diagnosis of malnutrition. Nutrition-promoting interventions that you can recommend include increasing exercise, raising levels of fluid and nitrogen intake, avoiding constipation through dietary and lifestyle changes, and recommending routine dental examinations.
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatrics, St. Louis University School of Medicine.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Silver
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D010819:Physician's Role; D012307:Risk Factors